Nationwide Strike Paralyzes Tunisia’s Transport

A nationwide transport strike in Tunisia disrupted services as workers demanded better wages, conditions, and urgent reforms amid an economic crisis. President Kais Saied faces mounting pressure amid claims of state sabotage. The three-day strike affected both urban and rural areas, with transport unions claiming success.

A nationwide transport strike effectively brought Tunisia to a halt on Wednesday, as laborers demanded an increase in wages, improved working conditions, and necessary reforms, escalating the pressure on President Kais Saied amid the nation's economic turmoil.

For years, Tunisians have suffered due to subpar public services in sectors like health, transportation, and education, weakened by limited funding and investment. President Saied, tightening his grip since 2021, blames the country's plight on conspirators intent on destabilizing Tunisia.

A three-day strike organized by the UGTT union disrupted urban and rural areas alike, leaving metro stations in Tunis empty and buses inactive. Commuters resorted to private vehicles and unlicensed transport alternatives. The transport union deemed the strike 100% successful, while the Ministry of Transport criticized their financial demands as unrealistic given current revenue constraints.