From DW Documentary.
The Revolution of Freedom and Dignity took place in Tunisia in 2010. In 2024, President Kais Saied was re-elected by a large majority. In 2019, he was still seen as a man of integrity and loyal to the constitution. Today, Saied’s ruling style is autocratic.
In December 2010, the self-immolation of Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi sparked what became known as the Revolution of Freedom and Dignity. The spark spread throughout the region and became the starting point of the Arab Spring. With the flight of Tunisian ruler Ben Ali in January 2011, a decade of hope began: free elections, an internationally praised constitution and political pluralism that was exceptional for the region.
But the democratic experiment faltered. Islamist influence, political infighting and an ever-deepening economic crisis caused the initial euphoria to fade. Disappointed young people took to the streets once again, chanting "work, freedom and national dignity". In this politically torn country, a reserved professor of constitutional law entered the scene: Kais Saied. His demonstrative independence from the political establishment and his supposed loyalty to the ideals of the revolution made him a beacon of hope for many.
But after Saied’s surprise election in 2019 and his overwhelming re-election in 2024, things took a drastic turn. Saied concentrated power in his own hands, brought the judiciary into line, marginalized the opposition and restricted press freedom. Step by step, he undermined Tunisia’s young democracy – while the international community focused primarily on protecting Europe’s external borders and barely reacted.
The documentary hears from witnesses and airs previously unpublished archive material to paint a vivid picture of political change: from the enthusiasm of the revolutionary years to the authoritarian developments that, 15 years later, appear to be a definitive betrayal of the hopes of the Arab Spring.
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