馃嚬馃嚦TunisiaNorth Africa
UGTT public sector section criticizes cost of living and imposed decisions
via Business News2 min read
The public sector section of the Tunisian General Labor Union UGTT raised concerns following a meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the union's headquarters. The section denounced the deteriorating purchasing power, the degradation of public services, and the continued implementation of decisions without consultation. The meeting, chaired by UGTT Secretary General Slaheddine Selmi, reviewed the country's general situation and conditions within various public sector branches. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the UGTT and their readiness to defend the organization against policies aimed at weakening it. They also emphasized their dedication to public and individual rights and freedoms, prioritizing trade union freedom. The statement highlighted the increasing pressure on public agents, citing a continuous and insufficiently controlled rise in prices, along with a decline in the quality of essential services. This situation has led to a dangerous decrease in purchasing power and a significant deterioration in workers' living conditions. The section also criticized the removal of direct automatic deductions for the UGTT, viewing it as an attack on the balance of social dialogue and union operations. The union called for serious and responsible negotiations with authorities to improve the material and professional conditions of public agents and demanded an end to unilateral decisions, which they believe fuel social tensions. The UGTT also requested the honoring of
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Wajih Dhokkar, a doctor and member of the Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors, stated on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that the organization estimates between 150 and 200 deaths due to heatstroke in recent days. These figures are based on information gathered from young doctors in public hospitals, as the Ministry of Health has not released official data. Dhokkar noted that deaths occurred in various settings, including emergency services, at home with SAMU intervention, and among hospitalized patients whose conditions worsened due to thermal stress, requiring transfer to intensive care. He also mentioned that some hospitals, such as Charles-Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, experienced power outages affecting certain medical services, though priority services like emergencies and intensive care were spared. Dhokkar criticized the lack of official communication from the Ministry of Health regarding the human toll of the heatwave, calling it a significant failure to citizens' right to information. He also highlighted the absence of an official declaration of a health emergency and clear public guidelines, which he believes is inadequate given the severity of the situation. This statement follows a call from the Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors for authorities to establish a national crisis unit, publish health impact data, and reinforce healthcare facilities. The Ministry of Health has not yet released any detailed official report on deaths or hospitalizations related to the hea
The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg has published a technical framework on July 22, 2026, officially allowing the integration of battery energy storage systems BESS into low-voltage grid-connected photovoltaic installations. This development applies to both individuals and professionals with solar installations connected to the national grid, aiming to improve energy management. This move comes as Tunisia faces an exceptional heatwave, leading to record electricity consumption and repeated power outages due to the strain on a grid largely dependent on thermal power plants. Battery storage is seen as a way to enhance the resilience of photovoltaic installations and reduce reliance on the grid during peak demand or outages. The new framework recognizes the role of batteries in optimizing self-consumption and providing backup power when the grid is unavailable. Batteries can store energy produced during the day for use in the evening or during power interruptions, with the document also allowing for hybrid inverters. Strict technical requirements are in place, including international safety and performance standards for equipment and detailed technical documentation from installers. Special attention is given to fire prevention, ventilation, and cooling conditions. For systems exceeding 100 kWh, factory tests are required to ensure reliability. The framework also mandates compatibility between batteries and inverters and requires a Battery Management System BMS for con
The Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors OTJM has criticized the Ministry of Health's silence and "quasi-total absence" regarding the exceptional heatwave, repeated electricity cuts, and water supply disruptions affecting Tunisia. In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the OTJM described the situation as a "real health crisis" and called for an urgent national mobilization by health authorities. The organization expressed regret over the lack of official communication on deaths or serious cases related to the high temperatures, stating that this absence of data goes against practices in other countries where health indicators are transparently published. The OTJM highlighted the particular vulnerability of patients dependent on home medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators and ventilators, due to power outages. They also noted that the combination of record temperatures, water interruptions, and lack of air conditioning significantly increases risks for the elderly, chronically ill, outdoor workers, and vulnerable populations. The OTJM urged the Ministry of Health to convene a national meeting of health sector stakeholders to assess the situation and adopt a national intervention plan. They also called for a permanent national climate crisis management unit, a unified protocol for heat-related illnesses, and measures to ensure continuous electricity for patients with medical devices. Finally, the organization demanded an end to repeated electricity cuts a