The rejection of conditions proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for reforming the country’s economic sectors was reiterated by Tunisia’s powerful labor union on Saturday.
In a speech in Tunus, Noureddine Taboubi, secretary-general of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), stated, “We will not accept the painful and harmful conditions imposed by IMF on our country.”
Tunisia faces its worst financial crisis and is seeking a $4 billion loan from IMF.
In addition to regulating the payroll of public employees, the IMF has asked the Tunisian government to cut subsidies on basic food commodities and services.
Taboubi said, “UGTT does not reject dialogue with the government, but the labor union will not accept participation in any farce dialogue.”O
On June 16, the UGTT plans to stage a general strike in protest of the government’s refusal to increase wages.
Since July 25, 2021, when President Kais Saied dismissed the government, suspended parliament, and assumed executive authority, in a move decried by opponents as a “coup,” Tunisia has been in the throes of a deep political crisis.
Saied later dissolved the parliament in March after lawmakers held a session to revoke his measures.
