TUNIS, Jan 14 (BBC): 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.
An AFP report adds: Tunisians marked on Sunday seven years since the uprising that launched the Arab Spring, with more protests after days of unrest over persisting poverty and unemployment.
The North African country is seen as having had a relatively smooth democratic transition since the January 14, 2011 toppling of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali after 23 years in power.
But seven years later, anger has risen over new austerity measures after a year of rising prices, with protests again chanting the 2011 slogans of "Work, Freedom, Dignity".
On Sunday, hundreds gathered in the capital 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.
A wave of peaceful protests and night-time unrest hit cities and towns across the country this past week, after hikes in value-added tax and social security contributions introduced in early January.
The interior ministry says it has arrested more than 800 people suspected of taking part in violence, theft and looting since the start of the unrest.
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