The ‘slow coup’ taking Tunisia back to autocracy

Tunisia's president, Kais Saied, has dismantled the country's young democracy, arrested political opponents, and caused an economic crisis that could lead to a sovereign default, causing concern in Europe.

May 4, 2023 . 3:21 AM

1 min read

Tunisia's president, Kais Saied, has been dismantling the country's young democracy and arresting political opponents, judges, activists, and trade unionists in what Amnesty International called a politically motivated witch hunt.
Saied has tightened his grip on all levers of power, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the democratically elected parliament, replacing it with a rubber-stamp assembly elected under rules designed to marginalise political parties and concentrate power in his hands.
The economy has worsened under his leadership, and European officials and analysts warn of an impending meltdown. Economists predict that Tunisia will default on its debt.
There is a rising threat to social stability in Tunisia, causing increasing concern in Europe, especially Italy, whose outlying island of Lampedusa is just 113km from Tunisia.
As foreign exchange reserves dwindle, the value of the Tunisian dinar could fall by as much as 30% against the euro. This will cause inflation to skyrocket and push the economy towards a painful recession, cementing the view that Tunisia is heading towards a sovereign default.