Contrary to the exceptional fervor that Tunisia witnessed in the aftermath of the Revolution, sit-ins are undeniably becoming rarer, with reported drops of up to 85%.  Yet despite being out of breath from keeping up such a feverish pace of activity, protesters are set to continue with sit-ins, and pockets of resistance have been reported throughout the country, particularly in inner Tunisia.

The protests and sit-ins that became fashionable after the January 14^th Revolution still persist, although they have lost much of their appeal in the last few months. The unforgettable camping-out and determination of the protesters at the Kasbah 1 and 2 sit-ins serve as a sad reminder of citizens no longer moved to the same level of action as before.

Some Tunisians have argued for a cease to the sit-ins, as they have brought a heavy toll to the economy and to the stability of the country.  At the same time, however, the strikes still continue to take place — last week alone, seven strikes were accounted for.  This week, two more have already begun and will most likely be followed by two more, according to the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT).  A striker from Tunis Light Metro Company (SMLT) who threw a stone in his employer’s garden confessed that, “…There is no reason not to go on strike…”

Whom to believe? And who benefits from the strikes? One thing is for sure — whether the number of strikes has decreased or increased, we have not yet gotten out of the deadlock.

Source: La Presse