Middle East & Africa | “RoboCop” hits a rough patch

A recession threatens Tunisia’s President Kais Saied

But the opposition is too divided to take advantage of it

Defending a dream
|TUNIS

ON THE CAMPAIGN trail in 2019, Kais Saied cemented the sobriquet “RoboCop” for his dour, mechanical demeanour. He has lived up to the nickname as president, methodically targeting Tunisia’s democratic institutions. In July he suspended parliament and much of the constitution. He has shifted the country towards a presidential system: though he named a prime minister in September, she is a neophyte, her powers circumscribed.

This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline ““RoboCop” hits a rough patch”

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