Tunisian General Labor Union criticizes renewable energy concession model, warns of risks to national sovereignty and public finances
via Business News4 min read
The General Federation of Electricity and Gas, part of the Tunisian General Labor Union UGTT, held a press conference on April 21, 2026, to express its concerns regarding draft laws on renewable energy production concessions. The UGTT criticized its exclusion from discussions on this strategic issue, emphasizing its historical role in national matters and the importance of energy sovereignty. While supporting renewable energy development, the federation opposes the current model, which it believes favors private, often foreign, investors over the public operator, the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg. The UGTT asserted that Steg possesses the technical capabilities and human resources to lead renewable energy projects, with tenders ready since 2020 awaiting government approval. The union also raised concerns about carbon credits, advocating that potential revenues should fund national investments and support the public company. It warned that the current concession policy risks foreign domination of electricity production, potentially increasing dependence and prioritizing external market logic over national needs, especially with projects aimed at exporting electricity to Europe. The federation also highlighted the financial burden on public finances due to contract extensions and revisions within existing concessions. The UGTT called for a national dialogue involving public authorities, parliament, Steg, social partners, experts, and civil society to redefine the co
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Private channel Telvza TV announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, the suspension of its broadcast until further notice. The channel's general director, Zouhir Latif, stated on Facebook that this decision was made due to "continuous pressure" from the National Office of Television Broadcasting ONT and the lack of response from authorities regarding the challenges faced by private media. Latif accused the ONT of "permanent harassment" and "blackmail," though he did not specify the exact nature of the disputes. He also noted that various institutions, including the Presidency of the Republic, the Presidency of the Government, the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and the Ministry of Communication Technologies, did not respond to the channel's requests or mediate. Latif indicated that the broadcast would remain suspended until an official authority agrees to engage with them. Neither the ONT nor the authorities mentioned have officially reacted to Telvza TV's accusations. The channel did not specify if the suspension is immediate or the conditions for resuming its programs, with future developments depending on official reactions or dialogue between parties.
Tunisia's natural gas resources, which include national production and fiscal revenue from Algerian gas transit, reached 698 thousand tons of oil equivalent TOE by the end of May 2026. This represents a 14% decrease compared to the same period in 2025, according to the economic report for May 2026 published by the National Observatory of Energy and Mines Onem. While national production of commercial dry gas remained stable year-on-year, with increases in the Nawara and Chergui fields by 10% and 26% respectively, and a 5% rise in commercial gas production in the south, the Hasdrubal field saw a 17% production decrease. The fiscal revenue from Algerian gas transit fell by 33% by the end of May 2026, settling at 225 thousand TOE. Of this, 87% was transferred to the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg, with the remainder for export. Onem noted that in 2025, Steg withdrew 240 million cubic meters of gas beyond the quantities due to the Tunisian state from this revenue, a situation still being regularized. Algerian gas purchases increased by 8% between May 2025 and May 2026, reaching 1.143 million TOE, while national natural gas supply remained stable at 1.812 million TOE. Total natural gas demand also remained stable at 1.807 million TOE, with electricity production being the primary consumer, accounting for 65% of total demand. The report also highlighted a 3% improvement in the efficiency of power plants, with specific consumption decreasing to 195.3 TOE per gigawatt-hour,
Spain has been crowned world champions again, securing their second World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute. This victory marks Spain's return to the pinnacle of global football, 14 years after their first triumph in South Africa. The Spanish team dominated the match, maintaining 68% possession, completing 803 passes with 90% accuracy, and registering 20 shots, 11 of which were on target. In contrast, Lionel Messi's Argentina struggled offensively, managing only two shots, neither on target. The turning point came in extra time of the second half when Argentine midfielder Enzo Fern谩ndez was sent off, leaving his team with ten players for the remainder of the match. This success celebrates a new generation of Spanish players, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Rodri, and Ferran Torres, who upheld Spain's possession-based football philosophy. Lionel Messi was unable to secure another world title, as Spain controlled the final from start to finish.