Tunisia on edge as president suspends parliament and fires premier

A Tunisian police officer scuffles with protesters during a demonstration in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Violent demonstrations broke out on Sunday in several Tunisian cities as protesters expressed anger at the deterioration of the country’s health, economic and social situation. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)

Troops have surrounded Tunisia’s parliament and blocked its speaker from entering after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister and other senior members of government, sparking concerns for the North African country’s young democracy.

In the face of nationwide protests over Tunisia’s economic troubles and the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, President Kais Saied decided late on Sunday to dismiss officials, including the justice and defence ministers.