About two thousand people swarmed the streets of Tunis on Sunday to protest President Kais Saied’s ruling, along the street “March 20” leading to the Bardo Square, the seat of Parliament.
Coinciding with the 66th anniversary of the Tunisian Independence Day, protestors answered the call of “Citizens against the coup” and the movement Ennahda, in refusal to the consultation initiative put forth by the President, calling for constitutional reforms.
The “national consultation” initiative consists of answering various questions related to political, economic, social, education, health, culture, and digital transition themes.
The President said the initiative to be the first phase of his political project in preparation for a popular referendum on political reform following the suspension of the constitution, freezing the Parliament, and imposing exceptional measures since last July.
University professor Najla Bouden was appointed to chief a new governmental team last October, and legislation has begun to use decrees.
Early last week, Prime Minister Najla Bouden was asked by the President to accord Tunisians free Internet access to the consultation site until it ends on March 20.
According to the President, the consultation results will be collected and processed by experts whose designation is not yet clear. Next July, a draft referendum is scheduled to revise the constitution based on the results.
However, the number of respondents did not exceed five hundred thousand.
The demonstrators carried Tunisian flags and held banners with slogans including “Down with the putsch,” “The people want the removal of the president,” and “No to the consultation,” condemned the targeting of the judiciary system and the President’s monopoly of powers.
The march towards the parliament building in the Bardo district was intercepted by heavy security reinforcements who prevented the progress of demonstrators, fencing the street by security.
Political activists of different backgrounds participated in the march to protest against President Kais.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.