"Red Vests", a new movement established in Tunisia and inspired by France’s “yellow vests”, announced it will organize peaceful protests to demand national, social, and economic reforms.  During a press conference on Friday, the founders, dressed in red shirts, declared that protests will start on December 17 against rising prices and deteriorating purchase power. Activist Riyadh Jrad indicated that the movement was inspired by France’s yellow vests but the demands were aimed at meeting the Tunisian people’s needs. "These planned social protests will be civilized and peaceful, respecting freedom of expression," said Jrad, adding: “We are defending our right to a fair development and prices adapted to our purchasing power." The movement accuses the government and political blocs of failing to meet the demands of Tunisians since the revolution that toppled the regime of former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. Activist Naguib al-Dereidi indicated that the movement holds political parties responsible for the deteriorating economic situation. The activist explained that the movement determined 22 social and economic demands, asserting the "call for peaceful protests against chaos and sabotage.” The movements demands include, better living conditions, urgent reforms in the health, education and public transportation sectors, increase in the minimum wage, retirement pensions, road and infrastructure maintenance, and accountability of corrupt officials. Red Vests also indicated that several local and regional coordination offices had been set up countrywide to ensure protests remain peaceful. The movement reiterated that no political parties stood behind the campaign, nor did it receive funding from businessmen or any other organization.  Tunisia has succeeded in achieving an inspiring democratic transition in the Arab region, but it faces major economic problems that have generated frequent social protests, although nine governments have risen to power since 2011.