Public discontent is intensifying in Tunisia five years after President Kais Saied’s power takeover, driven by political repression, a worsening economy, deteriorating public services and prolonged electricity and water shortages. Thousands recently protested in the capital, Tunis, against what they described as Saied’s growing authoritarian rule and declining living conditions. Saied supporters held a counter-rally, calling opponents traitors and demanding their imprisonment.

Human Rights Watch Tunisia director Salsabil Chellali said criticism of the government has become effectively intolerable, alleging that opposition parties, civil society and media have been targeted and political rights curtailed. Many leading government opponents are either imprisoned or in exile. Most senior leaders of Ennahda are detained, including its 85-year-old leader Rached Ghannouchi, whose condition has not been disclosed since he reportedly fainted in prison last month.

A heatwave and wildfires have burned about 4,400 hectares, while rolling blackouts have left some areas without electricity for up to 12 hours. Researcher Hamza Meddeb said censorship makes people fearful of openly blaming the president. Analysts cited continued support for Saied’s government from the European Union, Algeria and Libya, while saying hopes for reforms have diminished.