Persistent protests threaten Tunisian government

Significance

Another field, Chouech Essaida, has been shut since February 28 because of labour unrest. Demonstrations extend beyond the oil and gas sector. Months of protests across Tunisia are beginning to exact a toll on the coalition government as demonstrators return to the streets of the capital to challenge the latest effort to pass a controversial ‘economic reconciliation’ bill that would in effect give amnesty to businessmen who engaged in corrupt practices under the former regime.

Impacts

• The unity of the coalition government will come under further pressure as ministers struggle to respond to demonstrations.
• Political parties risk becoming more isolated from the electorate without major internal reforms.
• The government will be tempted to return to more authoritarian techniques of rule as protests deepen.