Tunisia's economic crisis leaves thousands of university graduates unemployed. Many citizens now protest against failing government policies.
Cherine Ghanmi once believed her university degree would lift her family out of poverty. She graduated in 2012 but still cannot find steady work. She now relies on her parents instead of helping them.
Many other graduates this painful experience. They see their lack of jobs as a symbol of Tunisia's wider economic struggle. Frustration with the government continues to grow across the nation.
Next, a group of unemployed graduates launched the Dignity March in late September. They walked 300 kilometers toward the capital to demand public-sector jobs. More people joined the group as they moved forward.
However, police stopped the marchers near Tunis on October 6. Officials prevented them from reaching the presidential palace area. Participants felt this move ignored their long-standing search for employment.
Also, thousands of protesters gathered in Tunis on October 17. They criticized President Kais Saied and his government policies. People expressed anger over poor living conditions and limited personal freedoms.
Meanwhile, official statistics show a difficult reality for the country. The unemployment rate for university graduates stands at over 26 percent. Women graduates face even higher rates of joblessness.
Then, experts noted that the economy struggles to create enough roles for skilled workers. Weak investment and poor infrastructure hinder business growth. Many companies cannot expand because of these ongoing barriers.
After that, basic services like electricity and water faced frequent cuts this summer. These disruptions hurt small businesses and added to public stress. Some young people now consider leaving the country by boat.
Finally, graduates remain skeptical of current government programs. They want clear timelines for hiring rather than vague promises. For many, the lack of opportunity causes deep emotional and financial pain.