UGTT Secretary General calls for unity and cohesion after internal divisions
via Business News3 min read
Following its congress in Monastir, the Tunisian General Labor Union UGTT is striving to begin a new chapter. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, its Secretary General, Slaheddine Selmi, urged members to move past divisions and enter a phase built on cohesion and transparency. Speaking at the opening of the National Administrative Body, the first meeting of this structure since the congress, the union leader declared that the period of internal tensions has concluded, advocating for a new phase based on unity and collective mobilization. His remarks were reported the same day by the union's press organ, Echaab News. Slaheddine Selmi thanked the members of the administrative body and the congress participants, emphasizing that the congress was held under "transparent and democratic" conditions, despite the disagreements that characterized the preceding period. The Secretary General stressed the necessity of overcoming the internal rivalries that preceded the congress, stating that "the page of competition, divergences, and all positive and negative issues that preceded the congress has been turned," signaling a desire for appeasement and internal recomposition. He called on all union structures and activists to consider this stage over, to open a new sequence based on unity and cohesion. He affirmed that the UGTT "today needs all its sincere sons and daughters," highlighting the importance of bringing together all sensitivities within the organization. Beyond managing internal balanc
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Tunisia is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures peaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. By 1 PM, several meteorological stations recorded temperatures well above 45°C, and one region even surpassed 48 degrees. The National Institute of Meteorology INM released a ranking of the hottest cities, with Nasrallah recording the highest at 48.2°C, followed by Jendouba at 48°C, Gaâfour at 46.5°C, and Béja at 45.7°C. Other cities like Sidi Bouzid, Meknassy, Nadhour, Kairouan, Medjez El Bab, and Oueslatia also saw temperatures exceeding 45°C. Several other localities, including Le Kef, Bir Ali Ben Khalifa, Aïn Boussaadia, Jammel, Dahmani, and Kondar, crossed the 44°C mark. Even regions typically less affected, such as Séliana, Bou Ghrara, and Skhira, registered temperatures above 43°C. The INM advises citizens to limit sun exposure during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, and exercise caution, especially for the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
The Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, condemned the rise of hate speech and calls for violence on social media, following the circulation of a video containing death threats targeting the Secretary General of the Workers' Party, Hamma Hammami, and other political figures including Mohamed Abbou, Ezzedine Hazgui, Samir Dilou, and Rached Ghannouchi. The organization called on the public prosecutor to immediately open a criminal investigation and protect those targeted. The LTDH expressed deep concern over the continuous escalation of hate speech and incitement to violence in the digital space, attributing it to a decline in tolerance, an increase in exclusionary and stigmatizing discourse, and persistent impunity for acts punishable by law. The Workers' Party had previously denounced the video as an explicit call for the assassination of its Secretary General, criticizing authorities for not removing the publication or prosecuting its alleged author. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a leader of La France insoumise and a candidate for the 2027 French presidential election, also expressed support for Hamma Hammami on X, urging Tunisian authorities to ensure his protection and prosecute those responsible for the threats. The LTDH emphasized that freedom of expression does not justify incitement to violence, calls for murder, or the spread of hate speech, considering these serious criminal offenses. The organization also noted the public prosecutor's "passive attitu
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France insoumise and a candidate for the 2027 French presidential election, has expressed support for Hamma Hammami, Secretary-General of the Workers' Party, stating that Hammami is facing death threats and harassment. Mélenchon urged Tunisian authorities to ensure Hammami's protection and prosecute those responsible. This intervention follows a statement from the Workers' Party on July 14, 2026, which reported that a video circulating on social media explicitly called for Hammami's assassination. The party attributes this video to an internet user identified as a supporter of President Kaïs Saïed, linking it to Hammami's critical stance against the current government. The Workers' Party also criticized the authorities for not removing the video or prosecuting its alleged author. The left-wing party believes this incident is part of a growing climate of hate speech and violence, accusing the government of fostering hostility towards its opponents. The party stated that these threats against Hammami are an extension of verbal attacks and accusations directed at political figures, journalists, activists, and trade unionists critical of the government. The Workers' Party affirmed its commitment to its political engagement despite these intimidations and called on Tunisians to oppose "criminal calls" targeting opposition figures, reiterating its resolve to defend its members and its Secretary-General.