Tunisia Unrest: Government enters dialogue with civil society to quell austerity protests

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Tunisian authorities have begun talks with civil society groups, hoping to prevent the escalation of anti-austerity unrest. Protests erupted earlier this month after the announcement of the 2018 state budget, which increased the price of food, energy and services. Civil society representatives are urging the government act quickly to address social and economic problems. CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi has more.

The Tunisian government has launched dialogue with civil society organizations to discuss the current situation in the country. The authorities made proposals to overcome the social and economic tension.

MEHDI BEN GHARBIA MINISTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS "We should admit that a large part of Tunisians live on the margins of society. They have no sense of belonging for the country and refuse everything. They do not necessarily have problems with the government or with the 2018 state budget, but their problems go back to decades of marginalisation and indifference."

The consultation initiative also aims to shed light on the main reasons behind the widespread discontent.

ABDELJELIL BEDOUI TUNISIAN FORUM FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS "Our observatory warned the authorities against a growing discontent. The government's improvised measures are meant to curb unrest but they don't resolve the main problem. The situation remains alarming."

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA "Analysts argue that the purchasing power of Tunsians decreased dramatically in the past 7 years. In the meantime, the unemployment rate has remained high with over 650,000 jobless people. The recent tax and price hikes have only complicated the situation leading to a wave of violence and protests."

A recent study has revealed that over 92 percent of Tunisians reject violence. However, the population is very disillusioned.

SIRINE TLILI STUDENT "Everything is more expensive. We're worried about our future. We must protest peacefully to demand better living conditions. Yet, this should never be at the expense of our country's security and stability. We must all care about Tunisia."

Freedom, dignity and opportunity were the main slogans of the 2011 unrest in Tunisia. 7 years on, the North African state has made enormous steps in its politcal transition but the social and economic objectives remain unrealized. Adnen Chaouachi, CGTN.