HUNDREDS of Tunisians yesterday protested peacefully against government austerity measures after days of violent protests.

There were fresh protests in Tunis yesterday on the seventh anniversary of the ousting of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Protests have taken place in at least 10 different areas in Tunisia since last Monday, triggered by the government raising value-added tax and social contributions, and increasing some prices on goods in its 2018 budget.

Emergency government meetings have been held in response to the protests, which have seen nearly 800 arrests for vandalism and acts of violence, including throwing petrol bombs at police stations.

On Saturday the government pledged extra aid for poor families in response to the demonstrations but protesters still took to the streets, holding banners with slogans against rising prices and new taxes.

“This is what the government has done to us,” said one a protester named Fouad. “Pockets are empty by unfair decisions of the government ... we are suffering today to meet what we need.”