Students who arrive late will not be allowed to enter. If you talk to your classmate during the lesson, you will receive a warning. If you continue, you will be asked to leave. Fadoua El Ouni, who took Kais Saied's constitutional law class at Carthage University, was initially surprised by this strict policy. She wondered if all university courses would be the same, but that was not the case. Saied was known on campus for captivating classrooms with his commanding voice and formal language, which made hearing him speak in everyday Tunisian dialect a surreal experience for El Ouni. Despite his suspension of parliament and dismissal of the prime minister, Tunisians are conflicted over Saied's actions, debating whether he is a populist hero or a dangerous demagogue who may either save or destroy the country's democracy. While some view him as an uncompromising ideologue, others see him as a compassionate leader dedicated to removing corrupt elites and fulfilling the goals of the revolution. However, we are aware that individuals who are initially clean and have good intentions can sometimes transform into ruthless individuals. Saied, a respected law professor, is known for his modest lifestyle, preferring coffee shops with basic furniture and residing in a middle-class neighborhood with his family, even after becoming president in 2019. He claims that his motivation is not personal ambition but a sense of duty to empower the youth and poor who sparked Tunisia's 2011 revolution. He aims to provide education, healthcare, and eradicate corruption in Tunisia, stating that he is reluctantly running for president against his own desires. God commands that you must engage in warfare even though you may hate it. Taking on responsibility can also be distasteful, like a soldier who is reluctant to kill but has been instructed to fight. Saied's office did not provide a response to a request for an interview. As a devout Muslim, Saied has characterized his presidency as a test from God that he cannot decline. According to Mohamed-Dhia Hammami, a Tunisian political researcher at Syracuse University, Saied is implying that he is fulfilling his duties because he is obligated to do so. The concept in Islam is that everyone faces a form of trial. In this case, it is holding the position of president. This may seem like a fancy excuse for manipulation. However, even his adversaries acknowledge that his beliefs are genuine, stemming from his faith and genuine concern for the underprivileged. Saied, who comes from a diverse background in Tunis, emerged onto the national scene in 2011, following the initial revolutionary protests. He stood in solidarity with protesters from marginalized regions who were demanding significant reforms. Videos of his visits quickly spread across Facebook. While serving on an advisory committee during the drafting of a new constitution, Saied was not given one of the pens, a decision that clearly bothered him. He frequently appeared on Tunisian television, where he consistently criticized the new constitution for giving too much power to Parliament. He believed that voters would be limited to choosing among electoral lists supported by power-hungry political parties. Tunisians would have a stronger connection to their democracy if they elected representatives with whom they had personal relationships. The suggested approach was a political system that operated from the bottom-up and top-down, with power coming from local councils and a powerful president. Despite skepticism, one activist who interacted with the professor during the transition to democracy described him as modest and generous, but also stubborn in his beliefs. Many Tunisians considered him essential viewing on TV, as he seemed to be delivering the ultimate truth about the constitution, according to Amna Guellali of Amnesty International. His authoritative presence was so captivating that some even compared him to a prophet, transcending human qualities. This admiration for his stern leadership only increased as corruption scandals and economic troubles plagued the country, leading to calls on social media for him to run for president. Despite this, he declined until 2019. The tale of his presidential campaign has become well-known in Tunisia: the use of the slogan "The people want," reminiscent of the 2011 revolution; volunteers joining the campaign without being asked; funding strictly limited to what he had in his wallet; despite some reports of foreign funding, he maintained an image of integrity; and his landslide victory in the runoff election. He emphasized the importance of the people's sovereignty in an interview, stating that everything should begin with them. He later revealed that he decided to run for president after being approached by a poor man in tears, which he likened to a religious experience. This was not the only instance of such encounters, as videos often surface online showing Saied embracing impoverished protesters at the presidential palace or engaging with ordinary Tunisians on the street. Imen Neffati, a researcher at Oxford University, stated that what sets him apart from other politicians is his genuine care for people. Critics have labeled him as a law professor who never completed his doctorate and criticized his views on social issues such as supporting the death penalty and opposing equal inheritance for men and women. Despite these criticisms, he is known for his unwavering firmness. A European ambassador and informal adviser has stated that he refuses to negotiate with corrupt politicians or parties, ruling out Ennahda, the dominant party in Parliament, as well as most of Tunisia's business and political elite. According to diplomats, meetings at the presidential palace with him are more like lectures than dialogues. His advisers mention that he only listens to a select few, including his wife. Since July 25, Saied's security forces have imposed travel bans and house arrests on judges, politicians, and business owners without proper legal process, causing concern that he may be moving towards autocracy. His office recently announced an extension of the initial 30-day period for his "exceptional measures," without specifying for how long. He is expected to attempt to change Tunisia's electoral system and modify its constitution in order to increase presidential powers. Despite his promise to appoint a new prime minister by Tuesday, Tarek Kahlaoui, a Tunisian political analyst, was informed by presidential advisers that Saied sees the role as more of a "manager" rather than a true head of government. Saied justified his power seizure by referring to Article 80 of the constitution, which gives the president extensive emergency powers in the event of a threat to the country. However, constitutional experts believe his actions violate this provision, as it requires Parliament to remain in session. Despite his adherence to the law, those who know him say Saied often acts based on emotion and instinct. Kahlaoui said that he believes he has been selected by the people. The people took to the streets, prompting him to take action, which he did. ©2021 The New York Times Company.