Tunisia Calls in EU Envoy Over Controversial Union Gathering

Tunisian President Kais Saied summoned the European Union’s ambassador in protest over what he described as a breach of diplomatic protocol, following the envoy’s meeting with the head of the country’s largest trade union amid escalating tensions with civil-society organizations.

The confrontation underscores growing friction between Tunisia’s leadership and international actors regarding the government’s handling of opposition and civic groups.

EU Ambassador Giuseppe Perrone met on Monday with UGTT chief Noureddine Taboubi, highlighting the union’s pivotal role in Tunisia’s 2015 Nobel Peace Prize–recognized transition and reaffirming support for ongoing engagement with Tunisian civil society.

“President Saied registered a strong protest over the disregard for diplomatic norms and engagement outside formal channels,” the presidential office said in a statement Wednesday.

Saied’s administration has intensified measures against civil-society organizations, suspending several groups including Democratic Women, Nawaat Journalists, and the Economic and Social Forum.

Amnesty International has criticized the campaign, warning that rights organizations face arbitrary arrests, detentions, asset freezes, banking restrictions, and operational suspensions affecting 14 NGOs.

Though UGTT—with over one million members—has so far avoided direct sanctions, the union has publicly decried constraints on trade union freedoms and the unilateral suspension of agreements with the government.

Source: Araba Sey