Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Politics in Tunisia - statistics & facts
On December 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi, a young demonstrator, set himself on fire in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, after being mistreated by local authorities. His self-immolation was the beginning of a series of protests that rapidly escalated in the country. The Jasmine Revolution had just started. In the following months, uprisings spread in other countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), beginning what would be known as the Arab Spring. Protesters demonstrated against the current political elite, demanding greater freedom and socio-economic reforms. In Tunisia, the uprisings led to the end of Ben Ali’s rule and free elections in 2011. Nevertheless, general discontent for the country’s social, economic, and political environment remained in recent years.
