Tunisian labor union accuses president of usurping power

TUNIS, Tunisia

The Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) accused President Kais Saied on Friday of usurping power by solely preparing the budget and his lack of change.

The union said in a statement on the Tunisian 11th revolution anniversary that Saied unilaterally took economic and financial decisions.

"Reality indicates the lack of will to make a real change or hesitation in achieving it, this is presented in the marginalization of the alive national powers in the country," it said.

UGTT, the country's largest syndicate, accused Saied of a growing tendency of hostility to union work and activities.

In December, the government announced a budget of around $20 billion for 2022 with an anticipated deficit of 6.7% or $3.2 billion.

Saied ousted the government on July 25, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority.

While he insists that his "exceptional measures" are meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar