Beneath Tunisia’s Silence, Public Anger Simmers

Tunisia’s 2011 revolution was hailed as a beacon of hope for the Arab world. However, five years after President Kais Saied’s power grab, the country is on the brink of collapse. Enforced calm masks public anger that simmers just below the surface.

The government’s response to the recent heatwave has been woefully inadequate. Staggered power cuts intended to offset demand for fans and air-conditioning have instead damaged crops and industries. This situation reflects more than decaying infrastructure; it highlights a lack of central planning for emergencies.

Critics argue that the crisis goes beyond economic or social issues, speaking to a deeper problem: eroding trust between citizens and their government. The media, once a vibrant institution in Tunisia, is now cowed by a sweeping crackdown on freedom of expression. Critical voices have been silenced through imprisonment or exile.

The Tunisian people are right to feel betrayed by the promises of democracy made after 2011. Saied hijacked the country’s democratic transition and pursued an increasingly autocratic agenda. “Five years ago, Kais Saied buried Tunisia’s democratic transition and dragged the country back into authoritarianism,” said Salsabil Chellali, Tunisia director at Human Rights Watch.

The European Union’s support for Saied has been criticized as a prioritization of stability over genuine democracy. This raises questions about external influence on domestic politics. The EU’s focus on preventing migrant crossings from Tunisia’s coast rather than promoting democratic values suggests that its priorities are misguided.

When the president is above the law and critical voices are silenced, what hope is there for genuine reform? The current system, where Saied retains support despite his authoritarian record, suggests that Tunisians are being misled. Power cuts now continue for up to 12 hours, leading to extreme hardship for Tunisians. “Livestock are dying. Restaurants are closing. Sick people are suffering and some of the old are actually dying,” said Hamza Meddeb, a Tunisian academic.

As the situation on the ground grows more dire, there is little sign of hope on the horizon. The EU’s support for Saied combined with internal dynamics suggests that genuine reform may be a distant prospect. Tunisia’s silent revolution has yet to reach its climax.

The erosion of trust between citizens and their government will ultimately prove most damaging. When people lose faith in those who represent them, the consequences can be catastrophic. Tunisia’s future is far from certain, but one thing is clear: the country cannot continue down this path without risking its very survival.