Tunisian politics may grow more confrontational

Significance

The country’s largest political party, Muslim democrat Ennahda, flexed its muscles with a large demonstration in the capital in late February. Concurrent protests by leftist and liberal activists have been met with harsh responses by the security services.

Impacts

• If the political crisis deepens, the main labour unions may again take centre stage to force a resolution.
• Counter-revolutionary forces will look to exploit the turmoil to push for a rolling-back of civil liberties.
• Amid constant divisions, leaders will fail to address the main socio-economic drivers of unrest.