Tunisia has taken the step to suspend salary payments for 17,000 teachers and terminate the contracts of 350 school principals in response to ongoing protests demanding higher wages.

This move could potentially impact around 30% of the country's primary school teachers and further intensify the conflict between the government and the influential UGTT union. The decision comes at a time when Tunisia is grappling with a severe economic crisis, exacerbating the challenges faced by its citizens.

As part of their protest, teachers have refused to submit school grades, leading to concerns about the academic progress of students. Education Minister Mahamed Ali Bougdiri described the situation as a "disaster and a crime against children." Union official Ikbel Azzabi criticized the government's actions, accusing them of attempting to "starve teachers" and warning of anticipated protest movements during the upcoming school season. In fact, numerous school principals have already begun resigning in response to the situation.

The education ministry argues that the country's public finances cannot accommodate the teachers' demands. The ongoing conflict between the ministry and the union has raised fears among thousands of families that the crisis in Tunisia will deepen, potentially jeopardizing a turbulent new school year. The population is already grappling with high inflation, inadequate public services, and shortages of essential food items. Photo by Touzrimounir, Wikimedia commons.