Issue and Opponent: Tunisia had been experiencing several decades of high unemployment, high food prices, and poverty. Widespread government corruption made it impossible for Tunisians to express their discontent with the ruling party and political landscape.
Dilemma Action: On the night of January 22, 2011, hundreds of Tunisians defied the curfew that was in place and traveled to Tunis. They started with a 50 km walk before boarding buses to travel hundreds of kilometers. They called their movement the “Liberation Caravan.” When they arrived on Sunday morning, the crowd gathered in front of the interior ministry. The fact that the protestors defied the curfew, gathered in the capital, and were joined by police officers and members of the national guard was quite significant. This act showed a unified front against the president as they demanded he step down from office.
Outcomes: After the Liberation Caravan event, members of the Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) party were arrested and charged with corruption. By January 27, 2011, the foreign minister announced his resignation and the Prime Minister dismissed several former RCD ministers.