"rising demand"

#13065430

6 December 2025

Demonstrators light flares while raising large banners featuring portraits of imprisoned prominent opposition figures, including Ahmed Nejib Chebbi and Ayachi Hammami, during a mass march that brings together thousands of supporters of opposition parties across the political spectrum, human rights and civil society activists, and ordinary Tunisians, in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 6, 2025, to protest under the banner ''Opposition Is Not A Crime.'' They decry what they call a growing crackdown on President Kais Saied's critics and opposition parties, as well as on civil liberties, individual rights, freedom of expression, and press freedom. Participants denounce what they describe as an increasingly authoritarian and dictatorial one-man rule by the Tunisian president. The crowd expresses solidarity with opposition figures imprisoned in connection with the case known as the ''conspiracy against state security,'' demanding their release. Under President Kais Saied's rule since 2021, Tunisia sees the dissolution of parliament, the dismissal of the government, the adoption of a new constitution, the dismissal of dozens of judges, the arrest of political opponents, critics, and journalists, while the activities of dozens of organizations are suspended.

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#13065321

6 December 2025

A demonstrator shouts slogans while raising a placard featuring the portrait of imprisoned lawyer and former judge, Ahmed Souab, during a mass march that brings together thousands of supporters of opposition parties across the political spectrum, human rights and civil society activists, and ordinary Tunisians, in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 6, 2025, to protest under the banner ''Opposition Is Not A Crime.'' They decry what they call a growing crackdown on President Kais Saied's critics and opposition parties, as well as on civil liberties, individual rights, freedom of expression, and press freedom. Participants denounce what they describe as an increasingly authoritarian and dictatorial one-man rule by the Tunisian president. The crowd expresses solidarity with opposition figures imprisoned in connection with the case known as the ''conspiracy against state security,'' demanding their release. Under President Kais Saied's rule since 2021, Tunisia sees the dissolution of parliament, the dismissal of the government, the adoption of a new constitution, the dismissal of dozens of judges, the arrest of political opponents, critics, and journalists, while the activities of dozens of organizations are suspended.

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#13057224

4 December 2025

The Secretary-General of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), Noureddine Taboubi, poses for a portrait in his office at the union's headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, are implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057225

4 December 2025

The spokesperson of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), Sami Tahri, speaks to the press during a rally held outside the union's headquarters ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057226

4 December 2025

The Deputy Secretary General of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT), Samir Cheffi, speaks to the press during a rally held outside the union's headquarters ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057227

4 December 2025

A man raises the Tunisian and UGTT flags during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, are implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057228

4 December 2025

Trade unionists gather outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, are implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057229

4 December 2025

A trade unionist raises a sign reading in Arabic, ''Those who do not defend their dignity do not deserve to live,'' during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057230

4 December 2025

A banner with text in Arabic reading ''Unity among trade unionists and independence in their choices'' is displayed during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057232

4 December 2025

Demonstrators hold Tunisian flags and stand next to a banner bearing text in Arabic: ''Do not infringe on individual and public freedoms'' during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057233

4 December 2025

Trade unionists gather outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, are implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057234

4 December 2025

Demonstrators raise a banner featuring a portrait of the prominent opposition figure Ayachi Hammami, with the text he declares before being arrested and taken to prison in connection with the case known as 'conspiracy against the state security': ''We will transform the prison into a square symbol of the struggle,'' during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057235

4 December 2025

Demonstrators raise a banner featuring a portrait of the prominent opposition figure Ayachi Hammami, with the text he declares before being arrested and taken to prison in connection with the case known as 'conspiracy against the state security': ''We will transform the prison into a square symbol of the struggle,'' during a rally organized in front of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, to mark the 73rd anniversary of union leader Farhat Hached's assassination. The rally is followed by a march to his mausoleum. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057236

4 December 2025

Demonstrators raise a banner featuring a portrait of the prominent opposition figure Ayachi Hammami, with the text he declares before being arrested and taken to prison in connection with the case known as 'conspiracy against the state security': ''We will transform the prison into a square symbol of the struggle.'' Others raise a banner featuring the portrait of the jailed prominent opposition figure, lawyer, and former judge Ahmed Souab, during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057237

4 December 2025

Demonstrators raise a banner featuring the portrait of the jailed prominent opposition figure, lawyer, and former judge, Ahmed Souab, during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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#13057238

4 December 2025

A female demonstrator shows her hand bearing the text ''Free Abir'' (Abir refers to Abir Moussi, the lawyer and prominent opposition figure who is imprisoned) during a rally organized outside the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) ahead of a march toward the mausoleum of union leader Farhat Hached in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 4, 2025, marking the 73rd anniversary of his assassination. The commemoration escalates into a protest against President Kais Saied's economic and social policies. Trade unionists demand the protection of union rights and freedoms, as well as the resumption of social dialogue and salary negotiations. The UGTT denounces that the planned salary increases in the private and public sectors, as outlined in the 2026 Finance Bill, will be implemented without any social dialogue with the government. The confrontation between the UGTT and President Kais Saied's government reflects a broader political crisis that unfolds since 2021, raising concerns among trade unions and civil society actors. The UGTT warns of a potential general strike.

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