Tunisia’s powerful UGTT union rejected any plans to cut subsidies on Wednesday, complicating the government’s efforts to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a bailout package.

A week after the government resumed technical talks with the IMF, UGTT spokesman Sami Tahri told reporters that a caretaker government now in place could implement reforms.

“We reject any plans to reduce subsidies, and we oppose price increases…

Subsidies must be strengthened (to compensate for) a significant deterioration in purchasing power, according to Tahri.