President Saied's recent consolidation of power in Tunisia has raised questions about the country's political and economic stability, further complicating its ability to address urgent challenges such as climate change that also affect the wider Middle East region.

For Tunisia’s population, water shortages are only the latest addition to a broader array of difficulties, including mounting inflation and a collapsing currency. Many Tunisians are now turning against President Kais Saied’s authoritarian power grab, and the sight of dry water taps is fueling further discontent.