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 to do so, you will be told to leave. Fadoua El Ouni, who took Kais Saied's constitutional law class at Carthage University in her first year, was initially surprised by this strict policy. She wondered if all university courses would be the same, but they were not. Saied was renowned on campus for captivating classrooms with his commanding voice and formal speech. However, when El Ouni heard him speak in everyday Tunisian dialect, she described it as a surreal experience. Since Saied's decision to suspend parliament and dismiss his prime minister last month, Tunisians have been grappling with the contradictions of his actions. Many wonder how a political newcomer who was known for his strict demeanor and adherence to the constitution could justify seizing power. There is debate over whether Saied is a populist hero or a dangerous demagogue, and whether he will save or destroy Tunisia's democracy. Supporters believe he is the last hope to achieve the revolution's unfulfilled goals, while critics see him as an uncompromising ideologue. "We know that individuals who are clean and genuinely strive to achieve good goals can sometimes transform into individuals who resort to violence," Saied, a long-time law professor, is not the type to indulge in extravagant luxuries like a pet tiger or imported frozen yogurt, as seen in the family of Tunisia's former dictator, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Saied prefers coffee shops with plastic chairs and resides in a middle-class neighborhood with his wife and three children, even after being elected president in 2019. His motivation stems from a sense of responsibility and religious duty to empower the youth and the poor who sparked Tunisia's 2011 revolution. He aims to provide education, healthcare, and a better life for the people while eliminating corruption. Despite his own reluctance, Saied declared, "I am running against my own will," during his presidential campaign. God commands you to engage in warfare, even though you may find it distasteful. Bearing responsibility can be burdensome, akin to a soldier reluctantly preparing for battle. Saied's team did not comment on interview requests. As a devout Muslim, Saied views his presidency as a test from God that he cannot turn down. According to Mohamed-Dhia Hammami, a Tunisian political researcher at Syracuse University, Saied feels obligated to fulfill his duty as people expect him to do so. The concept in Islam is that everyone faces challenges, and in his case, it is being the president. Some may see this as a cover for demagoguery, but even his critics acknowledge that his beliefs are genuine and stem from his faith and concern for the disadvantaged. Saied, who comes from a diverse background in Tunis, became involved in national politics in 2011 after the initial revolutionary protests and the departure of Ben Ali. He stood in solidarity with protesters from underserved areas who were demanding significant reforms. Videos showing his visits quickly spread on Facebook. While he was part of an advisory committee working on drafting a new constitution, he was not given one of the pens, which bothered him. He frequently appeared on Tunisian television criticizing the new constitution for giving too much power to Parliament. He also expressed concern that voters would have limited choices among electoral lists pushed by power-hungry political parties. Tunisians would have a stronger connection to their democracy if they chose representatives they were personally familiar with. The suggested solution was a political system that started at the grassroots level with hundreds of locally elected councils, and also had a powerful president. Despite skepticism about the feasibility of this idea, one activist who interacted with the professor during the democratic transition noted that he was determined and unwavering in his beliefs, even though arguing with him was futile. Many Tunisians considered him essential viewing on TV, believing he spoke absolute truth about the constitution like a prophet. His austere authority became more appealing as corruption scandals and economic hardships increased, leading to calls for him to run for president on Facebook pages. He declined until 2019. The narrative of his presidential campaign has become well-known in Tunisia, with details such as the popular slogan "The people want," reminiscent of the 2011 revolution, volunteers who joined his campaign without being asked, limited campaign financing from his own wallet, rumors of foreign funding despite his reputation for integrity, and his decisive victory in the runoff election. He emphasized the importance of people's sovereignty and starting everything from them in an interview. He mentioned a pivotal moment when a poor man tearfully urged him to run for president, likening it to a spiritual experience. This encounter was not the only one of its kind, as videos often surface online showing Saied embracing impoverished protesters at the presidential palace or taking time to greet regular Tunisians on the street. Imen Neffati, a Tunisia researcher at Oxford University, stated that what sets him apart from other politicians is his genuine concern for the people. Critics may view him as a mere law professor who did not complete his doctorate, and some may disagree with his social views, such as his support for the death penalty and opposition to equal inheritance for men and women. Despite his controversial stances, he is known for his unwavering determination. An European ambassador and informal adviser has stated that he will never engage in negotiations with corrupt politicians or parties, which means he will not be dealing with Ennahda, the dominant party in Parliament, or most of Tunisia's business and political elite. Diplomats have noted that every meeting at the presidential palace is more of a lecture than a dialogue. Advisers have mentioned 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 procedures, causing concern among his own supporters that he may be moving towards autocracy. Recently, his office announced that the 30-day period for his "exceptional measures" would be extended, without specifying for how long. It is widely anticipated that he will attempt to alter Tunisia's electoral system and modify its constitution to expand presidential authority. Despite his pledge to appoint a new prime minister by Tuesday, Tarek Kahlaoui, a Tunisian political analyst, was informed by presidential advisors that Saied views 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 grants the president extensive emergency powers in times of imminent threat to the country. However, constitutional experts believe his actions are in violation of this provision, as Parliament is required to remain in session. Despite his legal expertise, those familiar with Saied say he often relies on emotion and instinct in his decision-making. Kahlaoui stated that he believes the people have chosen him. When people took to the streets, he felt it was his moment to take action.