Thousands of Tunisians marched through the capital on Saturday, October 17, in the largest protest against President Kais Saied in years, demanding political freedoms and action over deteriorating economic conditions.
The demonstration brought together trade unions, opposition parties and civil society organisations in a rare display of unity against the president's leadership.
The march, organised by the influential Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) alongside opposition and civil society groups, drew participants from across Tunisia's political spectrum.
Lawyers, doctors, journalists, unemployed residents and activists gathered along Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis, where hundreds of police officers were deployed and surrounding roads were closed.
AFP reported that more than 3,000 people participated, although the figure could not be independently verified.
Demonstrators demanded the release of detained government critics, greater political freedoms and an end to restrictions on trade union rights.
They also revived slogans associated with the 2011 uprising that removed longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
UGTT leader Salah Eddine Salmi criticised the concentration of political authority in the presidency, warning against governance dominated by one individual.
The demonstration reflected mounting frustration over rising living costs, unemployment, declining purchasing power and deteriorating public services.
Recurring electricity and water cuts, alongside shortages of medicines and essential goods, have intensified public dissatisfaction.
Protester Yassine Gharseli travelled approximately 250 kilometres from Sfax to participate, citing repeated disruptions to basic services and concerns about personal freedoms.
Saturday's mobilisation followed earlier demonstrations against rising prices and shortages on August 20, as well as a two-day strike by fuel transport workers over wages and working conditions last month.
Saied expanded presidential authority after suspending parliament and dismissing the government in 2021.
He subsequently dissolved parliament, while a new constitution strengthened presidential powers in 2022.
Opponents accuse him of undermining democratic institutions, while rights organisations allege increasing restrictions on journalists, civil society and political opposition.
Saied rejects accusations of authoritarianism and has accused opponents of exploiting economic difficulties to provoke unrest.
The latest demonstration highlights growing cooperation among previously divided opposition groups as Tunisia's political and economic tensions persist.