Environmental Impact and Industrial Operations

A significant protest movement has emerged in Gabes, Tunisia, demanding the closure of a state-operated chemical plant. This action follows concerns over environmental pollution attributed to the plant.

Strike and Public Demonstrations

On Tue, Oct 21, 2025, a general strike led by the UGTT trade union effectively halted economic activity in Gabes. Shops, markets, and educational institutions closed in response to the call for action.

Demonstrators displayed banners highlighting the environmental damage caused by the CGT phosphate plant. They voiced demands through slogans advocating for living conditions and the dismantling of the polluting facilities.

Government and Health Initiatives

Recently, President Kais Saied described the situation in Gabes as an “environmental assassination,” attributing it to previous policy decisions. The health implications include increased cancer and respiratory illness rates, prompting a government commitment to constructing a cancer hospital in the area, as stated by Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani. However, no specific timeline for this project has been provided.

Industrial Policy and Environmental Concerns

Despite a 2017 government pledge to gradually close the plant, authorities announced plans earlier this year to increase production. This decision has raised alarms among environmental organizations, which have noted a significant decline in local marine life. This decrease has affected the fishing industry, a crucial economic sector for the region.