Top Tunisian union leader Anis Kaabi faces state trial, accused of using his political leverage to harm the incumbent President Kais Saed’s regime. Photo: AFP

Anis Kaabi, a political official within the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), will face state courts today following his arrest on 31 January. Kaabi is convicted of using his political leverage to harm incumbent President Kais Saed’s regime.

The UGTT is a powerful national trade union of high political status and has orchestrated protests against the Saed government since his inauguration in 2019. Saed led Tunisia into political turmoil with his constitutional changes, worsened by the deadlock of the national judiciary system and misalignment with strict IMF bailout conditions. Heightened inflation, escalating costs for raw goods imports and critical fuel supplies have left Tunisia at a standstill as civilian protests continue.

Unfortunately for the Tunisian people, an economic stalemate is likely to persist as the UGTT and Saed regimes continue to clash. Recent convictions against critical union leaders and political officials – along with the imprisonment of 57 judges – are likely to cause a further escalation, with UGTT demonstrations planned for early March. As Kaabi’s case gains international traction, there is a likelihood his conviction may be overturned. Further, with the UGTT orchestrating further strikes and protests, an IMF bailout will likely fail to make traction as the economy remains in lockdown.