It is the largest demonstration of its kind since the latest political crisis began two weeks ago when a prominent opposition politician was assassinated.

Earlier, the constituent assembly was suspended until the government and opposition open negotiations.

The assembly is drawing up a new constitution.
Union call

The protest in central Tunis was called by the opposition to demand the assembly’s dissolution and the resignation of the government, and to mark the six-month anniversary of the assassination of prominent secular opposition leader Chokri Belaid.

The powerful Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) called on its 600,000 members to join the rally.

“The people want the fall of the regime,” the crowds in Bardo Square shouted.

The speaker of the National Constituent Assembly (ANC), Mustapha Ben Jaafar, said work on a new constitution and electoral law would resume once “dialogue commences”.

Mr Ben Jaafar, whose Ettakatol party is part of the cabinet, condemned the failure of politicians to resolve the crisis.

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