Activists decry state of Tunisia’s democracy, 15 years after Arab Spring

Fifteen years after the Arab Spring began in Tunisia, activists and relatives of political prisoners are criticizing the current state of the country's democracy. The Arab Spring, sparked by Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation, began in Tunisia in December 2010 and led to the ousting of the dictator and hopes for increased freedom. However, in December 2025, critics are alleging that President Kais Saied has reversed democratic progress, pushing Tunisia back towards authoritarianism. These concerns highlight a perceived deterioration of the freedoms initially sought during the Arab Spring. The activists are decrying the current political climate.