This thesis investigates the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) response to Kais Saied's 2021 Coup d'État and the consequent backdrop of Tunisia's decade-long struggle for a democratic system....Show moreThis thesis investigates the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) response to Kais Saied's 2021 Coup d'État and the consequent backdrop of Tunisia's decade-long struggle for a democratic system. After presenting the historical and sociological roots of the UGTT, its role in the aftermath of the Arab Spring in Tunisia, and its participation in civil society and the democratisation process, it presents the recent events from 2021 until today. Employing a classoriented and social movement-based approach, this research dwells into the UGTT nature looking at both internal and external bondages. Hence, by analyzing a different array of sources, this thesis aims to fill a gap both in terms of time, being a recent event which is still unfolding, and of theory, believing that a theoretical framework both based on social movements and workers' theory could benefit the present literature. Furthermore, the research considers whether the actions of the UGTT signify a lost decade of seemingly successful democratization, or if the contemporary situation represents merely a temporary setback in Tunisia's pursuit of democracy, perhaps even an ulterior push in that direction. Finally, this thesis highlights the UGTT's role in Tunisia as a model for understanding global labour union involvement in political transformations.Show less
