Tunisia: Magistrates likely to launch further nationwide strikes through at least late February

Event

The Union of Administrative Magistrates and the Sectoral Council of the Association of Tunisian Magistrates at the Administrative Court will likely launch further strikes through late February. The association has launched periodic strikes and organized protests in recent days. The labor actions are in response to President Kais Saied's decision to dissolve the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM) Feb. 6. The magistrates have stated they will continue with work stoppages until officials restore the country's judicial independence. The strike has materialized despite Saied's ongoing ban on strikes and protests by the country's judges and magistrates.

While organizers have not announced any plans for demonstrations, protests associated with the strikes remain possible. Potential protest venues include city government offices, public parks, and prominent squares. Demonstrations could prompt localized ground transport disruptions.

Context

Protests and strikes will almost certainly continue in the coming weeks in Tunisia following Saied's dissolution of the CSM, accusing the body of corruption. Political parties, civil society, and the international community have expressed strong opposition to Saied’s decision. The CSM is an independent body that is tasked with the appointment of judges in Tunisia. The CSM is composed of 45 magistrates in which two-thirds are elected by the Parliament and one-third are elected by the CSM. Saied's Feb. 6 decision to dissolve the CSM is unsurprising as the president has long accused the CSM of interfering with politically sensitive investigations and collaborating with the self-defined Islamist Ennahda political party. In protest of the government's decision, the Association of Tunisian Judges has launched periodic strikes.

Saied has announced that his government will establish a new temporary 21-member Supreme Judicial Council in which the president would directly appoint nine members. In the new Supreme Judicial Council, Saied would also have the power to dismiss any judge in the council that is failing in their professional duties. Furthermore, judges on the new council are forbidden to strike or partake in collective action that would interfere with the functions of the courts.

Advice

Consider avoiding areas around courts, major government buildings, and popular rally sites due to possible protests and associated disruptions, as well as potential security disturbances throughout the duration of the strike. Allow additional time for travel near all demonstrations.