Thousands march in Tunis in largest protest against Saied in years

Thousands of people marched through central Tunis on October 17, 2026, in what was described as the largest protest against President Kais Saied in years. Al Jazeera

The news agency AFP reported more than 3,000 participants. The march was led by the Tunisian General Labour Union, known as the UGTT, a trade union, alongside opposition parties and civil society organisations.

Demonstrators gathered along Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis. Hundreds of police were deployed across the area and several surrounding roads were closed during the march.

Protesters spoke out against worsening living conditions and restrictions on political freedoms. They also marched for social and economic reforms and the protection of civil liberties, according to a Reuters newsroom dispatch. Reuters Connect

Their demands included the release of detained government critics and an end to restrictions on trade union rights. Some protesters accused Saied of undermining democracy, according to Reuters reporting. Reuters

UGTT leader Salah Eddine Salmi addressed the rally. He criticised the concentration of political power in the presidency.