Key facts
- Tunisia is marking the third anniversary of President Kais Saied's emergency measures, which suspended parliament and centralized power.
- The country is facing a severe infrastructure crisis, with over 150 reported deaths linked to power outages during a heatwave.
- The state electricity company cited record demand from air conditioning use as the cause of the outages.
- Critics argue Saied's political restructuring has weakened democratic institutions and the rule of law.
- Economic growth remains sluggish, with high public debt and limited access to external financing.
- International criticism has softened due to Tunisia's cooperation on migration, leading to an EU partnership agreement.
Tunisia is marking the third anniversary of President Kais Saied's July 25, 2021, emergency measures, which saw him suspend parliament and assume broad executive and legislative powers. The anniversary coincides with the country's worst infrastructure crisis, with an exceptional heatwave exacerbating severe water shortages and causing widespread power outages. The Organisation of Young Doctors in Tunisia reported between 150 and 200 deaths since the power cuts began over a week ago, with at least five directly linked to failures in essential medical equipment. Authorities have not confirmed these figures.
President Saied, who had been largely absent, acknowledged the crisis, describing the outages as 'not normal' and calling for accountability without announcing specific measures. Faysal Tarifa, director general of the state electricity and gas company STEG, attributed the outages to record demand driven by excessive air conditioning use, calling the controlled failures a 'preventive measure' to protect the national grid. He urged citizens to limit air conditioner usage during peak hours.
The July 25 date, significant as Republic Day, has become divisive since 2021. Supporters view Saied's actions as rescuing the state from paralysis, while critics decry it as a coup against the constitution. Saied's subsequent political restructuring led to a 2022 constitution establishing a presidential system with significantly expanded powers, approved in a referendum with low turnout. He governed by decree, dissolved parliament, and dismissed dozens of judges, moves criticized by opposition and rights groups as assaults on judicial independence.
Since early 2023, numerous opposition figures, politicians, and journalists have faced legal proceedings, with prominent detainees including Rached Ghannouchi, Chaima Issa, and Jawhar Ben Mbarek. Opposition groups and international human rights organizations describe these cases as politically motivated, though Tunisian authorities maintain they concern threats to state security. Saied argues his reforms have restored state effectiveness after prior institutional deadlock, framing his project as a response to popular demand for social justice and stability.
Despite promises of economic renewal, Tunisia has seen modest growth, cautious private investment, and restricted external financing. The IMF has warned of rising public debt and weak growth constraining investment. Negotiations for financial support have stalled, with assistance increasingly tied to economic and political conditions. The authorities emphasize 'self-reliance,' but a community-owned companies project has yet to yield measurable results. The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights has expressed grave concern over the worsening electricity and water crisis.
Unemployment remains at 15%, particularly high among young graduates, with inflation exceeding 5% and wages failing to keep pace. Irregular migration attempts persist, and inland regions remain underdeveloped. Initial international criticism of Saied's measures has gradually thawed since 2023, largely due to European interest in migration cooperation, culminating in a July 2023 memorandum of understanding with the EU covering economy, energy, and migration. Relations with Algeria have strengthened, while ties with Morocco and several African governments have strained due to political disputes and Saied's remarks on irregular migration.