Tunisia: Bakers on strike over state’s refusal to pay €78 million subsidies; night protests continue for fifth day

Tunisian bakers have gone on strike across Tunisia to protest against the government’s reluctance to disburse around 78 million euros (TND250 million) in form of subsidy.

The union of bakers of the North African country issued the strike order Tuesday. Mohamed Bouanen, the chair of the union told local media Express FM, that bakers are facing challenges to get goods supply owing to financial issues.

“The state owe us TND250 million,” Bouanen told the local radio station.

“There are 14 months of unpaid subsidies from the state. The bakers ask to be reimbursed in order to continue their professional activity,” he added.

500 bakers held a sitting Tuesday in front of the headquarters of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Crafts (UTICA).

Bouaden argued that the bakers are ready to resume work if they get free supplies.

Meanwhile, protests and night-time confrontations between Tunisian police forces and young men continued in the capital for the fifth consecutive day since a young man died after hye sustained injuries while being chased by security forces.

The areas where the protests are taking place have expanded to neighbourhoods in the capital Tunis, while the police used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse the protesters.

The protests erupted following the death of a young man from Al-Tadamon neighbourhood three weeks after the police assaulted him during a pursuit, according to eyewitness accounts. This was denied by the Tunisian Ministry of Interior, saying reports of the deceased young man, Malik Al-Sulaimi, claiming he has been subjected to violence by security men contain many inaccuracies.