The recent actions of Tunisian President Kais Saied, including the suspension of parliament and dismissal of government officials, have sparked concerns among democracy and human rights advocates about the state of Tunisia's democratic institutions.

Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi was arrested last week and remains in detention, as part of an ongoing crackdown against critics of President Kais Saied. Ghannouchi’s arrest and Saied’s clampdown on political freedoms have major implications for Tunisia’s domestic affairs as well as its foreign relations.

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.