Tunisia - August 2025

In August, the government dissolved the National Authority for Access to Information (INAI), an independent body established in 2016 to ensure citizens and journalists could access official information. Civil society organizations have warned that its closure will significantly diminish transparency and hinder public oversight of government actions, as the agency had served as a key channel for requesting and obtaining official data and government reports. Composed of nine members, INAI also provided expert opinions on draft legislation related to access to information.

Sources: The New Arab, Le Monde, L’Économiste Maghrébin, Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy

On 11 August, Prime Minister Sara Zaafarani issued a directive ending ‘trade union leave’, a practice that allowed public employees to take a temporary leave of absence to work full-time for trade unions while continuing to receive their government salaries. The rule, applicable to all unions, will largely impact the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), the country’s largest, by reducing its staff and organizational capacity, with the move coming amid rising tensions between the government and the UGTT. On 7 August, supporters of President Saied had rallied outside UGTT headquarters in response to a previous nationwide transport strike organized by the union on 30-31 July and 1 August. They called for the union’s dissolution, while UGTT members held counter-demonstrations. On 21 August, the UGTT also organized a large protest in Tunis to oppose restrictions on civic freedoms, and denouncing a decline in union rights.

Sources: Agence Tunis Afrique Press, Al Jazeera, The New Arab, International Trade Union Confederation