President’s squeeze on dissent rapped

Thousands of people marched through Tunisia’s capital, decrying an expanding crackdown on opposition voices and a proposed lifting of subsidies for food and other goods, according to The Associated Press.

The march organized by Tunisia’s powerful central trade union was the latest challenge to Tunisian President Kais Saied, whose leadership of the North African nation is prompting growing international concern.

Since taking office in October 2019, Saied has consolidated his power, dismantled the country’s democratic gains and unleashed repression against migrants from elsewhere in Africa.

Marchers chanted slogans Saturday against price increases and food shortages, the biggest concern for most Tunisians.

Talks with the International Monetary Fund on an agreement to help finance the government have stalled amid political tensions. The IMF has called for the lifting of some subsidies and other reforms.