On January 14, 2011, the Tunisian revolution, led by young people, workers, and the driving forces of society, gave rise to immense hope for freedom, social justice, and democracy. Fifteen years later, on this anniversary, it is clear that this hope has been buried deep.

Tunisia is currently experiencing a major political crisis. The democratic gains achieved by the revolution have been gradually dismantled. The
concentration of power, the weakening of institutions, the marginalization of political pluralism, and the undermining of the rule of law have created a climate of fear and arbitrariness. Hard-won fundamental freedoms are threatened by the criminalization of the opposition, pressure on the media, and restrictions on civic space.

This authoritarian drift aims to silence critical voices and restrict democratic space. It is profoundly affecting the Tunisian trade union movement, which is facing a breakdown in social dialogue, the suspension of collective bargaining, and a worrying hardening of the authorities' rhetoric and practices towards trade union organizations.

In response to these serious and repeated violations of fundamental rights, the French trade unions CFDT, CGT, UNSA, Solidaires, and FSU express their full and complete support for the UGTT in its legitimate mobilization to defend civil and trade union freedoms, the right to organize and strike, and the right to effective collective bargaining. In particular, it is putting forward key demands relating to wage increases
, job protection and the maintenance of genuine social dialogue.

The French trade unions CFDT, CGT, UNSA, Solidaires, and FSU call on the Tunisian authorities to:

• End the criminalization of union and civic action.
• Release all persons detained because of their trade union, political, or community involvement (
  ).
• Guarantee freedom of expression, organization, and strike action.
• Resume genuine social dialogue with the UGTT without delay

The CFDT, CGT, UNSA, Solidaires, and FSU trade unions reiterate that the aspirations of the Tunisian revolution remain legitimate. Freedom, dignity, and social justice are neither ideals of the past nor forgotten promises: they are demands of today and tomorrow. Faced with walls of fear, we choose international solidarity, vigilance, and hope for a democratic future for Tunisia.

Support for the UGTT
For trade union freedoms, social dialogue, and social justice.