Description: The environmental protests in Gabes, Tunisia, have spread to the country’s capital, Tunis, as demonstrators continued to challenge the government to tackle the environmental crisis in Gabes caused by the release of deadly chemicals by the state – owned company, Tunisia Chemical Group (CGT). The protests have also enlarged their dimension as demonstrators are also expressing their public outrage with the dire economic conditions in the country. President Kais Saied has so far attempted to appease the protesters by shifting the blame to regional institutions and labeling the crisis and environmental assassination. Health Minister, Mustapha Ferjani, joined the President in his statements and promised to build a hospital in Gabes to deal with the rapidly increasing cases of cancer and respiratory illnesses among the local population.
Impact: The environmental protests expansion in Tunisia arrives as a natural response to the government’s negligence to tackle life threatening conditions which are affecting the population, the environment and the country’s economy. The latest escalation arrives after last week’s general strike, called in the city of Gabes with the demonstrations enhancing in numbers. The protesters have started to also touch upon other pressing socio – economic issues in the country which indicates a wider anti – governmental civil movement. The government is attempting to resolve the simmering crisis through short – term measures which would only result in further enlargement of the civil movement which could potentially challenge the government’s standing. Instability persists, as the protests are gradually expanding geographically and increasing in numbers.