Workers’ Party marks 40th anniversary of its founding

The Workers’ Party held a rally in Tunis on Saturday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its establishment (3 January 1986 – 3 January 2026). Participants stressed the “need to continue the struggle for freedom, democracy and a decent life for all Tunisians,” while also calling on “the world’s workers, their peoples and oppressed nations to unite.”

The party’s secretary-general, Hamma Hammami, said: “On this occasion, we remember the party’s martyr Nabil Barakati, as well as the martyrs of Tunisia’s left-wing and progressive movement Chokri Belaïd, Mohamed Brahmi and Fadhel Sassi, and all of Tunisia’s martyrs since the colonial era, as well as comrades-in-arms who have passed away.”

Hammami saluted the Tunisian people—its workers, labouring classes, farmers, the marginalised and the poorest—saying the party would stand by them until the goals of the revolution are achieved: freedom, jobs and national dignity. He also paid tribute to the Palestinian people, reiterating his “constant and principled” support until the liberation of all their land.

He further reaffirmed the party’s commitment to defending the same principles and values alongside peoples, workers, revolutionaries and progressives around the world, with the aim of ending the “exploitation of الإنسان by الإنسان” and moving beyond what he described as the “barbarity of the capitalist system.”

According to Hammami, the Workers’ Party was founded 40 years ago in response to the realities of the time and out of an awareness of the need for a revolutionary party capable of leading popular struggle. He noted that party activists have sought to play that role, succeeding at certain moments and failing at others.

“We have developed capabilities, but we still suffer from shortcomings and weaknesses. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast and determined to fulfil this role, despite pressures, difficult conditions, weakness and hesitation,” he added.

The secretary-general urged “the world’s workers, their peoples and their nations” to unite at what he called a sensitive moment that “foreshadows an approaching war.” He argued that the region’s peoples have no option but to fight plans aimed at dominating natural resources, drawing—he said—on “the lesson of the legendary steadfastness of the people of Gaza.”

He also called for rebuilding revolutionary political movements, trade unions, as well as women’s, youth and rights organisations worldwide, at a time of worsening living conditions, deteriorating domestic public services, and an international conflict that, in his view, could have serious repercussions on all fronts.

Hamma Hammami finally voiced the Workers’ Party’s “categorical rejection of any alignment or polarisation,” reaffirming the continuation of the struggle for freedom and democracy and for ensuring the foundations of a dignified life, while urging convergence and cooperation with all progressive and revolutionary forces to achieve these goals.