The resignation of the Secretary General of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), Noureddine Taboubi, continues to raise many questions about the future of the powerful trade union and the potential political and social repercussions of this decision. In an exclusive statement to Tunisie Numérique, Bechir Sahbani, Secretary General of the UGTT regional union in Bizerte, shared his assessment of the situation and its possible consequences.
A resignation rooted in internal tensions
According to Bechir Sahbani, Noureddine Taboubi’s resignation comes amid a context marked by internal disagreements within the union, at a time when the organization is engaged in a broader struggle to safeguard its independence. He believes this development could either offer an opportunity for trade unionists to reorganize and restore internal cohesion, or, on the contrary, lead to a deeper and more severe crisis.
After Taboubi’s resignation, who is leading the UGTT?
From an organizational standpoint, Bechir Sahbani, explained that the UGTT’s internal regulations are clear. In the event of a vacancy in the position of Secretary General, the responsibility for managing day-to-day affairs falls to the official in charge of internal regulations, Farouk Ayyari, until a new Secretary General is elected.
He further stressed that if Noureddine Taboubi maintains his resignation, the consequences will extend beyond the trade union sphere to affect the political and social landscape of the country as a whole. Under the union’s internal rules, the resigning Secretary General must be summoned within a period of 15 days in an attempt to persuade him to reconsider. Should he stand by his decision after this period, the resignation becomes effective.
In that case, the national executive bureau convenes to elect a new Secretary General from among its members, with the outcome subsequently submitted to the UGTT’s administrative body for approval.
Urgency linked to upcoming deadlines
Bechir Sahbani,underlined the need to swiftly address the issue of the Secretary General’s resignation, given two critical upcoming deadlines. On the one hand, the announced general strike is approaching, and on the other, the UGTT congress scheduled for May, which could raise legal questions that require prompt clarification.
What impact on the general strike of 21 January 2026?
When asked about the potential impact of Noureddine Taboubi’s resignation on the general strike announced for 21 January 2026, the trade union leader said the effect would be inevitable. He recalled that it is the UGTT Secretary General who formally signs and issues the strike notice.
However, he pointed out that the general strike was decided by an administrative body, which opens the door to several legal interpretations. According to him, the issue remains unresolved: the acting Secretary General may or may not have the authority to cancel the strike. If such authority does not exist, convening a new administrative body meeting to decide on the fate of the strike could become necessary.
“This issue requires serious legal interpretation,” Bechir Sahbani, concluded, highlighting the complexity of the current situation within the country’s main trade union organization.
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