On the anniversary of revolution, thousands rally against President Tunisian

TUNIS, (Reuters) – Protesters pushed through the police barricades against Tunisian President Kais Said’s seizing of central Tunisian power. It was Saturday, the anniversary a pivotal date in the 2011 revolution that brought about democracy.

The opposition continues to be divided in its pursuit of Saied’s removal and Saturday’s protests are split between several groups that police have said should march in different areas.

Protesters claimed that they intended to march towards Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Habib Bourguiba, where rallies are traditionally held, defying police instructions. They also pushed through barricades, a Reuters reporter from the area said.

“We were on Bourguiba when Saied wasn’t there in January 2011, but today he is closing Bourguiba for us. Chaima Issa, an activist and participant in the 2011 revolution, stated that we will achieve it no matter what the cost.

Reuters was only one of many locations where hundreds of protesters were present. An extensive police presence and water cannon were visible at the exterior of the Interior Ministry building, Habib Bouguiba Avenue.

Saied closed down the elected parliament in 2021, and began to reform the political system. However, low turnout for December’s election, which was largely powerless, showed little interest from the public for his changes.

Saied’s project is being opposed by the main political forces, which includes most parties and the labor union. Many of them call it an anti-democratic coup.

But they failed to mend deep ideological and personal fractures that had divided them for many years instead of forming a united front.

Many parties continue to reject the role of the largest party, the Islamist Ennahda. The powerful UGTT union will seek a national dialog but will not host any party that accuses Saied or his government of a coup.

Twelve years ago, Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali was ousted as an autocrat. The protests are held on Jan. 14, which is considered the anniversary of the revolution by most Tunisian parties.

Saied however unilaterally changed Jan. 14’s anniversary date. He stated that he views it as the moment when the revolution went off course.

Although there has not been a major crackdown against Saied’s opponents, and police have allowed most demonstrations against him to take place, the police handling of Jan. 14 protests last year was more brutal, leading to condemnation by rights activists.

(Reporting by Tarek amara, writing by Angus McDowall and editing by Angus MacSwan

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