Protests: Reforms announced amid new rallies in Tunisia

The Tunisian government has announced a wave of social reforms, reacting to days of demonstrations by anti-austerity protesters. There were fresh protests on Sunday, the seventh anniversary of the ousting of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Emergency government meetings have been held in response to the protests, which have seen more than 800 arrests. President […]

The Tunisian government has announced a wave of social reforms, reacting to days of demonstrations by anti-austerity protesters.

There were fresh protests on Sunday, the seventh anniversary of the ousting of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Emergency government meetings have been held in response to the protests, which have seen more than 800 arrests.

President Beji Caid Essebsi visited a district of Tunis on Sunday, saying he understood the people’s suffering.

Protesters have taken to the streets again following calls from opposition parties.

They argue conditions have not improved since Ben Ali was deposed as president at the start of the so-called Arab Spring uprisings.

On Sunday, hundreds of people poured into one of the flashpoints of the 2011 uprising, Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis.

Demonstrators also rallied outside the offices of the UGTT union, demanding the budget be abandoned and venting anger at price rises.