Tunisians rally behind trade union under governmental pressure

Tunisia saw the largest rally in months on August 21st, as members and supporters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) protested against President Kais Saied. According to France 24 via AFP, the demonstration was specifically due to Saied’s growing pressure on the UGTT, denouncing increased repression, and loss of freedoms in the birthplace of the Arab Spring protests.

The UGTT is an influential counterforce to Saied, with some 700,00 members across the country of 12 million people. Saied has jailed several critics since consolidating his power in 2021. The UGTT is part of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize-winning “national dialogue quartet.” During the rally, protesters demanded an end to the rising cost of living, and the “injustices” of living under a “police state.” AFP reported that there was an estimated crowd of over 2,000. Several protesters were barred by the police.

UGTT Chief Noureddine Taboui commented, saying that “our country is going through a delicate phase,” and adding “all the foundations of political and civil life have collapsed.” The union has said that a group of Saied supporters tried to storm its Tunis headquarters. This was evidenced by several videos of people gathered outside and denouncing the union for “corruption” and “squandering the people’s money.” Saied defended the group, and demanded the union be held accountable. He insisted that the group had not intended violence. Rights groups expressed alternative opinions, saying that the gathering was aggressive.

Since taking sweeping powers in 2021, Saied has dissolved the elected parliament and begun ruling by decree. He has also suspended the Supreme Judicial Council, and removed dozens of judges. Saied has defended these decisions, claiming that they are lawful measures in ending political chaos.

He has faced resentment from the public for these steps. On July 25th, hundreds expressed their disapproval of him, with security forces patrolling nearby. Citizens were jailed by Tunisian authorities for their political expressions.

France 24 via AFP, Maghrebi.org