The main Tunisian union rejects the reforms demanded by the IMF to deliver an aid package

June 24. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The main union in Tunisia, the General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT), has rejected the reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which on Wednesday applauded the proposal of the president, Kais Saied, and was open to holding negotiations. about an aid package.

“We reject the conditions (of the IMF) due to the low level of wages, the lack of means and the increase in poverty and employment rates,” said the secretary general of the UGTT, Nurredín Tabubi, as reported by the Tunisian radio station. Mosaic FM.

The IMF director for the Middle East and Central Asia, Jihad Azour, indicated after a two-day visit to the African country that the reform program “has the benefits of greater ownership and greater credibility, which means a better chance of success. than in the past”, before showing his willingness to “start negotiations” in the coming weeks.

Azour also highlighted the importance of “continued dialogue with the key players” and warned that “the repercussions of the war in Ukraine are deepening the already high economic imbalances in Tunisia and creating a tougher situation for the population”, for which stressed that “the seriousness of the economic situation requires a rapid implementation of ambitious reforms.”

Likewise, Tabubi has announced that the union will soon present its own economic and social reform project, including amendments to the 2014 Constitution, less than a month before the constitutional referendum on the Magna Carta promoted by Saied.

“If there was a democratic spirit, why not publish a decree setting a minimum turnout for the referendum so that it has legitimacy?” He asked, given the increase in social pressure on Saied and the calls for a boycott by of the opposition.

Saied is facing growing criticism for the economic crisis and the exceptional measures adopted since May 2021, when he dissolved the Government and suspended Parliament –later dissolved– to assume all powers, a measure denounced by numerous parties, including the Islamist Ennahda.