Tunisia is bracing for a new round of protests as a relentless summer heatwave intensifies widespread anger over power and water shortages. The opposition collective Nafas has called for a demonstration in the capital, Tunis, on Thursday, aiming to unite various political parties and independent figures against President Kais Saied.
Launched in May, Nafas has criticized the government for what it calls failure and injustice, citing persistent utility cuts, a scarcity of essential medicines, rising living costs, and unemployment. The planned protest underscores the growing frustration among Tunisians struggling with the dual impact of extreme weather and economic hardship.
Temperatures have soared to as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Tunisia, placing unprecedented demand on the national electricity grid. State-owned utility STEG has implemented rationing measures in several regions in response to the record-breaking electricity consumption.
These power cuts have had a cascading effect on water supply, disrupting pumping stations and worsening existing concerns about access to drinking water. The demand for bottled water surged, leading to empty shelves as prolonged blackouts hampered bottling plant operations. The situation was further complicated by a shortage of raw plastic materials, a consequence of ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that have affected petrochemical exports crucial for bottle manufacturing.
Nafas previously organized a protest last month, which drew a mix of seasoned opposition activists and citizens new to political demonstrations. The event saw notable participation from social media influencers, indicating a broader base of public discontent, particularly among younger demographics, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the country's political trajectory for the first time.
That demonstration coincided with the fifth anniversary of President Saied's consolidation of power, which involved suspending parliament and dismissing the government. Protesters at that event called for political reform, the release of political prisoners, and addressed concerns over the deteriorating economic situation and failing public services.
Since 2021, President Saied has increasingly centralized power and imposed restrictions on independent media, civil society organizations, and dissenting voices. His administration has frequently accused groups receiving foreign funding of instigating unrest and undermining national interests.
Recent public demonstrations have seen a marked shift in rhetoric, with more explicit calls for Saied's resignation. Slogans reminiscent of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, such as "the people want the fall of the regime" and "Dégage" (Get Out)—a chant used during the protests that led to the ouster of autocratic leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali—have become more prominent.