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Protests, reform mark Tunisia anniversary

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Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi shake hands with bystanders as he arrives for a event in Tunis, Tunisia.- AP

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi shake hands with bystanders as he arrives for a event in Tunis, Tunisia.- AP

Tunis - Hundreds gathered in Tunis, responding to calls to protest from a powerful labour union and several political parties.

Published: Sun 14 Jan 2018, 11:00 PM

Updated: Mon 15 Jan 2018, 1:06 AM

  • By
  • AFP, Reuters

Tunisians on Sunday marked seven years since the uprising that launched the Arab Spring, with fresh protests after days of unrest over persisting poverty and unemployment.
Prime Minister Youssef Chahed decided to allocate 100 million dinars (about $40 million) to help 200,000 of the neediest families plus free health care for the jobless. An aid fund for poor families to acquire housing also was created.   
On Sunday, hundreds gathered in Tunis, responding to calls to protest from a powerful labour union and several political parties. Security was tight as protesters poured through checkpoints into the capital's Habib Bourguiba Avenue, which was the epicentre of the 2011 protests. Demonstrators chanted against "poverty and hunger" as they marched up the avenue, accusing "thieves" of having stolen the country.



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