Tunisia's Rising Tensions Amid Presidential Campaign

The presidential campaign season has officially started in Tunisia amidst significant public unrest. Protests emerged against President Kais Saied, highlighting concerns over civil liberties, and political and economic issues. Demonstrators, recalling the 2011 revolution, condemned the wave of arrests and the growing autocracy. The campaign season is fraught with heightened tensions and discontent.

The official start of Tunisia's presidential campaign season began Saturday, coinciding with significant unrest in the capital as protesters decried the country's deteriorating state.

Hundreds of Tunisians marched peacefully, criticizing the authorities and calling for an end to what they've labeled a police state. Concerns about increasing political arrests were paramount.

Khaled Ben Abdeslam, an urban development consultant, expressed his worries about the future for his children amidst the wave of detentions. Citizens carried signs questioning the availability of basic goods and freedoms, reminiscent of the 2011 protests that ousted President Ben Ali. Current President, Kais Saied, faces growing discontent ahead of his reelection bid.

(With inputs from agencies.)