Thousands of citizens also flooded the streets of the seaside city of Gambes in Tunisiacontinuing the mass demonstrations launched last week against pollution from the state -run phosphate industry Chemical Group (CGT).

The escalation of protests increases the pressure on the government of President Kais Saidwhich is worried about the possibility of spreading the turmoil in other areas. The government is already confronted with serious financial problems, is called upon to balance between the protection of public health and the maintenance of phosphate production, which is a valuable natural resource for the country.

Protesters shouted slogans like ‘We want to live’ and “Gambes shouts help”marching to the suburb of Chat Esalam, where the chemical plant is located. According to eyewitnesses, police used tear gas to break the crowd when approaching the facilities.

At the same time, a gathering was held in the capital Tunis, as a sign of solidarity with the residents of Gambes. Residents complain that they are experiencing more and more frequent respiratory problems, osteoporosis and cancers, due to the toxic gases emitted by the industries in the area.

The new surge of protests broke out when dozens of young students developed respiratory distress due to toxic toxic toxic phosphates and fertilizers.

Chemical Group (CGT) did not respond to Reuters news agency for commentary on the situation in Gambes.

One of the protesters, Hairendin Diba, stressed: “Today, our voice will be possible and will resonate until this crime stops immediately.”.

President Sajad has recently described the situation in Gambes as ‘Environmental assassination’attributing responsibility to criminal choices of previous governments. As a first measure, he asked the relevant Ministries to maintain the factories in order to stop the leaks.

However, protesters reject temporary solutions and require the definitive closure and relocation of industrial units.

According to environmental organizations, tons of industrial waste is rejected daily at the sea in the Chat Esalam, resulting in a serious affecting maritime life. Local fishermen report a significant reduction in catch, which are a key source of income for many locals.