Tunisians protest against president ahead of parliamentary polls

Hundreds have protested in Tunisia against President Kais Saied ahead of parliamentary elections that represent the latest consolidation of a power grab he began in July last year.

The protests were organized by political parties that have been marginalized by Saied -- first by him firing the government and suspending parliament last year, then by a new constitution.

Elevated food prices and shortages of basic goods reflect a long-running economic crisis in the North African country.

After protests toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, Tunisia established a democracy that was quickly riven by factional infighting.

Saied's moves since July last year, while initially welcomed by some, have raised fears among others that the only democracy to emerge from the "Arab Spring" protest movements is headed back to autocracy.

The economy has been struck by the coronavirus pandemic and the spike in commodity prices driven in large part by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The International Monetary Fund in October announced agreement on a $1.9 billion rescue package for Tunisia, on condition of reforms.

Opposition parties are boycotting parliamentary elections set for December 17, saying the new electoral law is part of Saied's "coup."

(source: AFP)

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