Tunisia: Demonstrations continue in Tunis January 14 /update 7

Event

Demonstrations continued in Tunis on Sunday, January 14. Thousands of people reportedly participated in anti-austerity protests and rallies commemorating the ouster of former President Zine El-Abedine Ben Ali in Tunis; associated demonstrations took place on Habib Bourguiba Avenue and in front of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGGT) building amid a heightened security presence.

The protests continued on Sunday despite government concessions announced Saturday, January 13, in response to the previous week of demonstrations. The promised reforms stipulate that poor families would receive more financial aid per month (from TND 150 [USD 60] received currently to between TND 180-210 [USD 72-84]) and would be guaranteed housing, and that all citizens would be guaranteed health care. Additional protests, heightened security measures, and associated transportation disruptions are expected in Tunis and in other Tunisian cities in the coming days.

Context

Sunday's protests took place on the seventh anniversary of the ouster of former President Zine El-Abedine Ben Ali in 2011, which marked the beginning of the Arab Spring. Hundreds of people also participated in anti-austerity protests in Sidi Bouzid on January 13. As of January 13, over 800 people had been arrested in related protests and clashes with security forces in cities throughout the country since they began on January 7.

The 2018 Financial Act, which includes an increase of the value-added tax (VAT) by 2 to 300 percent depending on the product, has generated a general rise in consumer prices since the implementation of its measures on January 1. According to one study, Tunisians will have to spend an extra TND 300 (USD 120) per month to cover the rise in prices, almost as much as the national monthly minimum wage (TND 357.136) for those working 48 hours per week.

The legislation was the subject of much debate in the political realm and within Tunisian society. Many economists warned against its potential negative effects, including a shift to the informal market and decreased consumption that could negatively impact Tunisia's economic growth.

Advice

Individuals in Tunisia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of potential violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.