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Minister Mondher Belaïd announces recruitment of 1,350 unemployed doctors
via Business News2 min read
Mondher Belaïd, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced that the recruitment of unemployed doctors is a priority for higher education policy. During a plenary session on Monday, April 27, 2026, he stated that his department is working to facilitate the professional integration of PhD holders. A competition has been launched to recruit 1,350 doctors in an initial phase, with file reviews starting soon in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Presidency of the Government to secure positions while considering state financial balances. Belaïd clarified that contractual recruitment would be a transitional step for young doctors to gain teaching experience before permanent employment, rejecting any notion of precarious employment. Unemployed PhD students have been advocating for direct integration into public service without competitive examinations, arguing that current methods do not effectively resolve their situation. Approximately 5,000 graduates are either unemployed or in jobs below their qualification level. In December 2025, the Assembly of People's Representatives adopted a bill for exceptional recruitment into public service for long-term unemployed graduates, particularly those over forty. Belaïd also reiterated his department's commitment to improving the ranking of Tunisian universities through funding programs and quality enhancement projects, noting that ranking disparities are due to varied international criteria. The ministry ha
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Must ReadThe World Bank has lowered its global economic growth forecast for 2026 to 2.5%, down from 2.9% in 2025. This would mark the slowest growth rate since the COVID-19 pandemic, excluding periods of global recession. In its global economic outlook report published on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the international institution cautioned against increasing risks to economic activity, citing geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. The World Bank noted that it has reduced growth forecasts for nearly two-thirds of the world's economies compared to estimates released last January. This revision reflects a more complex international environment characterized by a slowdown in global trade, more cautious investments, and weakened economic confidence. According to the institution, economic prospects are deteriorating in both developed countries and several emerging economies, although the latter are expected to continue to show relatively higher growth rates. A key risk factor identified by the World Bank is the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The institution believes that continued or worsening conflict could significantly impact global markets, particularly through rising energy prices and disruptions to supply chains. These developments could exacerbate inflationary pressures and further hinder economic recovery in several regions worldwide. The report also highlights a slowdown in private investment, penalized by persistent uncertainty. Businesses remain cautious due to ge
Must ReadThe National Union of Tunisian Journalists SNJT has condemned the continued use of Decree-Law No. 54, related to combating information and communication system offenses, to prosecute journalists, media professionals, and individuals expressing critical opinions. The union stated on Thursday, June 11, 2026, that this practice seriously threatens press freedom and freedom of expression, fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship. The latest case involves journalist Khaoula Boukrim, director of "Tunisia Media" news site, who was sentenced in absentia to four years in prison with immediate execution. According to the SNJT, these convictions stem from two cases initiated by the Public Prosecutor at the Tunis 1 Court of First Instance, following critical publications about public policies on Facebook. The SNJT expressed deep concern over the judicial handling of cases involving journalists, citing a lack of fair trial guarantees, defense rights, and timely notification of judicial decisions. The union views the toughening of prison sentences for journalists based on their opinions or journalistic work as a clear violation of constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom. The SNJT reiterated its opposition to Decree-Law No. 54 in publication and expression cases, arguing that media content disputes should be handled under Decree-Law No. 115 on press, printing, and publishing freedom, in line with international standards. The union called
Must ReadSeveral protest movements were observed on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in different regions of the country, according to a report published by Romdhane Ben Amor, spokesperson for the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights FTDES. In Tunis, unemployed higher education graduates gathered in Kasbah Square to demand professional integration. Romdhane Ben Amor stated that this mobilization was marked by arrests and what he described as "security harassment" against the demonstrators. In the Tataouine governorate, environmental company workers began their third consecutive day of protest, denouncing the non-payment of their salaries for April and May. Also in the capital, shrimp fishermen organized a rally in front of the Ministry of Agriculture to voice their demands. In Kairouan, young people from the locality of Rouissat continued their sit-in, while in Jendouba, higher education agents protested against delays in receiving their professional attire. Additionally, the red armband protest continued in all branches of Qatar Bank in Tunisia, as part of a movement initiated by employees. In Sfax, the regional labor union organized a march and rally focused on the demands of private sector employees, particularly concerning salaries, collective bargaining, and the defense of purchasing power. This overview illustrates the diversity of social demands currently expressed across the country, amidst persistent tensions related to employment, remuneration, and working conditions.