Protests Sweep Across Tunisia, Demanding Development, Jobs, and Dignity

Protesters in several Tunisian provinces are demanding development, jobs, and dignity, echoing the slogans of the 2011 revolution. The protests, which began on September 17, have seen unemployed university graduates, accompanied by their families, take to the streets, demanding the implementation of Law No. 18 of 2025. Demonstrations are continuing in Gabes province and several other provinces, with President Kais Saied holding a meeting with his cabinet to discuss next year's draft finance law. The Tunisian General Labour Union has called for a general strike, and former foreign minister Rafik Abdessalem notes that the social and political movements are moving along parallel tracks but are heading towards convergence. Abdessalem also warns that the authorities' inability to meet citizens' basic needs and their rejection of dialogue and social negotiations may lead to greater unrest. The protests are fueled by unemployment, with researcher Ramadhan Ben Omar noting that the authorities will face a real test in confronting the protests.