[ad_1]
Rising prices, stagnating wages, job losses due to the pandemic: the anger over the serious economic difficulties of indebted Tunisia largely explains the political unrest that hit this North African country this week.
When President Kais Saied sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive power on Sunday in what critics called a “coup,” tens of thousands of Tunisians nonetheless took to the streets to celebrate.
A visit to a Tunis market helps explain why.
Many people say they are worse than they were 10 years ago, when a popular revolt toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, launching the Arab Spring and sending Tunisia down a difficult path to democracy.
Tunisia, a country of 12 million people, has had nine governments since, but none have succeeded in reviving the economy, which since last year has been additionally hit by the Covid pandemic.
“If we are in this situation, it is because of the political parties which think only of them”, declared Adel Ben Trad, butcher of the souk of Bab El-Falla of the capital known for its low prices.
Tunisian President Kais Saied was cheered by his supporters on Sunday evening after ousting the prime minister and ordering parliament to close for 30 days. By – (Facebook page of the Tunisian presidency / AFP / File) “In 10 years, we must have lost half of our customers,” he said, explaining that many buyers are desperate to haggle or ask for credit because they can no longer afford his steaks and chops. Lamb.
“All prices have gone up, but not wages,” said the 52-year-old butcher, who admitted that he too is struggling to survive on his 600 dinars (180 euros) a month.
Given the dire situation, he said he fully supports the president’s takeover.
Nepotism and corruption
Tunisian security forces clashed with anti-government protesters outside parliament in the capital Tunis on July 25. By FETHI BELAID (AFP / File) The Tunisian revolution of 2011 began when young fruit and vegetable seller Mohammed Bouazizi, after an official denied him a permit and slapped him in the face, set himself on fire in an act of desperate rage.
Today, many Tunisians still feel latent anger against the state and a political class they see as distant and unable to save the collapsing economy, slowly crushing their dreams of a better future.
Last year, the Tunisian economy contracted by more than 8% as the Covid pandemic hit the crucial tourism sector.
The dinar has plunged by around 50% in a decade and debt has reached 100% of GDP, up from 45% in 2010.
The Tunisian economy contracted last year by more than 8% as the Covid pandemic hit the tourism-dependent economy. The dinar has plunged by around 50% in a decade and debt has reached 100% of GDP. By FETHI BELAID (AFP) Tunis is seeking a fourth loan in 10 years from the International Monetary Fund, and some fear that the state will default, as Lebanon has done.
The pandemic has erupted, causing an increase in cases and deaths and causing chaos and jostling at vaccination centers.
Amid the sense of chaos that has sparked angry protests in the streets, many are pointing fingers at what they say is the chronic nepotism and corruption of politicians.
Saied, responding to some of the public’s concerns, said Wednesday a crackdown on corruption and accused 460 businessmen of embezzlement, while urging traders and wholesalers to “cut prices.”
“Nothing will change”
The Covid pandemic has increased the number of cases in Tunisia, which now has one of the highest official per capita death rates in the world. By BECHIR TAIEB (AFP / File) On the Tunis market, Haykel Mosbahi accused the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, a member of all governments for 10 years, of being “most responsible for this crisis”.
Mosbahi, 40, said he lost his job as a civil engineer in a construction company during the 2011 revolution and has never found a similar job since.
The father of three now works as a security guard, at about a third of his previous salary.
“Before, I could buy new clothes,” he said bitterly, rummaging through the trash cans of second-hand T-shirts.
“But job postings are only for Ennahdha supporters. Without the right phone call, you’re never a priority.”
He, too, expressed hope that President Saied “will finally get us out of here.”
The crucial tourism sector has taken a hit amid the Covid pandemic. By Béchir TAIEB (AFP) Standing in front of a nearby vegetable stall, the retired Moncef Achouri was more reserved about the head of state who promised to “save Tunisia”.
“What the president is doing is a putsch,” said the 66-year-old former English teacher. “He promises a lot of beautiful things, like Ben Ali, but nothing will change.”
Reflecting on the past turbulent decade, Achouri said that “at the end of the day people don’t see their situation improving and they can’t enjoy the freedom they gained with the revolution.
“Freedom doesn’t fill your stomach.”
Source link
