Tunisian President Kais Saied has entered into a confrontation with the Tunisian General Labour Union, the country’s largest labor union, following a demonstration accusing union leaders of corruption and escalating tensions after a six-day strike in the transport sector. The union, which played a significant role during the democratic transition after the 2011 revolution and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, faces off against President Saied who has held concentrated powers since 2021. The government recently canceled the ‘union leave’ that allowed government employees to dedicate time to union activities. The union has announced plans for a demonstration and march to defend its rights and resume stalled social negotiations. Internal divisions within the union threaten its unity amid the crisis with the president. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over increased repression of political parties, unions, and activists since 2022.

Both sides have exchanged strong statements, with the president emphasizing accountability and the union rejecting accusations of corruption.