馃嚬馃嚦TunisiaNorth Africa
Unemployed graduates protest at Kasbah demanding implementation of exceptional recruitment law
via Business News2 min read
Unemployed higher education graduates gathered at the government square in Kasbah on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to demand the immediate application of Law No. 18 of 2025 concerning exceptional recruitment in the public service and public sector. Graduates from various governorates converged on Kasbah for what they described as a peaceful demonstration. They stated they are not introducing new demands or seeking additional promises, but rather the implementation of a text already adopted and published in the Official Gazette. Participants urged the acceleration of implementing texts, the launch of the digital platform, and the prompt recruitment of the first cohort. They criticized what they perceive as procrastination and disregard for their demands. This action follows a "day of anger" on May 1, where unemployed graduates denounced delays in applying the law despite its parliamentary adoption and provisions in the 2026 finance law. Protesters previously highlighted the absence of implementing decrees and the unlaunched electronic platform for centralizing applications. They argue that this delay widens the gap between official announcements and the reality faced by thousands of graduates experiencing long-term unemployment. Law No. 18 of 2025, adopted on December 16, 2025, by the Assembly of People's Representatives, provides exceptional measures to integrate long-term unemployed higher education graduates, including those over forty, into public service and the public sector.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
The Gab猫s section of the Tunisian League for Human Rights LTDH expressed deep concern on July 25, 2026, regarding two detainee deaths at Gab猫s civil prison, which it described as "suspicious." The deceased were identified as Ali Bejaoui and Ali Ben Tijani Ben Mohamed Mansi, the latter of whom had a disability. The LTDH reported collecting testimonies indicating deteriorating detention conditions, including repeated water and electricity cuts, significant overcrowding, and cases of suffocation among detainees. The organization believes these conditions endanger physical integrity and raise questions about adherence to minimum standards for individuals deprived of liberty. The LTDH extended condolences to the families and called for an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation to determine the circumstances of the deaths, assign responsibility, and draw legal consequences. It also urged authorities to intervene promptly to improve conditions by ensuring continuous water and electricity supply and addressing overcrowding. The Gab猫s section requested permission to visit the prison to assess the situation firsthand and implored competent authorities to uphold their responsibility in protecting detainees' rights to life, health, and dignity. The LTDH stated it would continue to monitor the case and initiate legal and human rights actions as deemed appropriate.
Tunisian President Ka茂s Sa茂ed did not deliver a speech or official message to Tunisians on July 25, Republic Day, a date that holds significant political symbolism, especially since the institutional shift in 2021. This absence was observed by internet users and follows a pattern, as Sa茂ed also omitted greetings for Eid al-Kebir, breaking from a political tradition where public officials address citizens on such occasions. Since taking office, Sa茂ed has favored communication through videos on the presidency's official page during meetings or field visits, rather than formal speeches. This silence occurs amidst significant social tensions, including economic and social difficulties, and daily challenges for Tunisians, such as repeated electricity cuts during a heatwave, which have caused widespread frustration. While a major political announcement might not have been expected, a sign of presidential presence and acknowledgment of the difficulties was anticipated. This growing trend of presidential silence on key occasions has led to a sense of resignation among some of the public, becoming an integrated part of the political landscape.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Tunis on Friday, July 25, to demonstrate against President Ka茂s Sa茂ed's administration and demand an end to what they describe as authoritarian rule. The demonstration, held five years after July 25, 2021, saw participants, including political activists, human rights defenders, trade unionists, and civil society figures, march through the streets. They carried Tunisian flags and placards, chanting slogans such as "Freedom!" and "The people want the fall of the regime!" The protesters criticized the government's performance, citing unfulfilled promises of prosperity and social justice, and highlighting issues like shortages, power and water cuts, rising unemployment, declining investment, and the exodus of young people. A central concern for the demonstrators was the erosion of liberties, with complaints about the prosecution of political opponents, lawyers, journalists, and activists, and a perceived climate of fear and instrumentalization of justice. The choice of July 25, which marks both Republic Day and the fifth anniversary of the 2021 power shift, was symbolic for the participants, who believe that democratic gains have eroded over the past five years.