Why do Tunisians keep protesting?
Another January brought another wave of protest in Tunisia. Responding to the government’s announcement of new austerity policies in the 2018 budget, protesters last week took to the streets in acts ranging from peaceful sit-ins to attacks on government buildings. The government responded by swiftly arresting hundreds of protesters, and palliative measures followed. Over the weekend, President Beji Caid Essebsi announced an increase in aid to needy families and plans to address the country’s inadequate pension and health-care systems.
We have seen this before. Perhaps more than an electoral democracy, post-revolutionary Tunisia is a protest economy. Facing the tumult of transition and an ever-deteriorating social safety net, Tunisians have expressed claims and grievances predominantly through demonstrations, sit-ins and strikes.… Seguir leyendo »