Secular Social Movements Confront Radical Temptations

Notes internacionals CIDOB, núm. 64

Beyond headline news which often focuses on the Salafists, one key player, the trade union, is gaining power by stealth.

UGTT’s deteriorating relations with the government could greatly influence the outcome of next summer’s elections.

Amnesty International warns that progress on human rights in Tunisia is “being reversed” in a report last October.

Although Tunisian Islamists were the enemies most directly targeted under Ben Ali, many liberals and UGTT members suffered badly during his 23-year old rule.

Tunisia’s economy is mismanaged and drifting. Average growth of 4.5% since 2000 and 2.7% in 2012 is not enough to absorb new entrants into the job market.

(...)