On Sunday, 27 September, a group of unemployed graduates set off on foot from Menzel Bouzaiane in the Sidi Bouzid governorate towards the presidential palace in Carthage. The march, dubbed the "March of Dignity," aims to pressure the government into implementing a law passed in December 2025 that provides for the exceptional recruitment of long-term unemployed individuals. The law, which was published in the Official Gazette on 23 December 2025, seeks to recruit graduates into public service and the public sector.
The marchers, who are demanding the rapid implementation of the law, are chanting slogans such as "Work, freedom, national dignity." They plan to present their grievances directly to President Kaïs Saïed upon arrival in Carthage. According to Wassim Jedi, secretary-general of the regional office of unemployed graduates, close relatives of the marchers, including parents and children, have joined the group. The march is expected to cover a distance of 300 kilometers.
The law, which was adopted by the Assembly of People's Representatives on 16 December 2025 with 92 votes in favor, one against, and four abstentions, provides for the recruitment of graduates into public service and the public sector over a period of three years. The law stipulates that candidates will be classified according to their age, the year they obtained their diploma, and their social situation. However, several months after its publication, the law has yet to be implemented due to a lack of application decrees and the launch of the required digital platform.
Unemployed graduates are concerned that the law may suffer the same fate as Law No. 38 of 2020, which was passed by the previous parliament but never implemented. The marchers believe that they have exhausted all other options, including sit-ins, and that presenting their grievances to President Saïed is their last resort. Wiem Othmani, a participant in the march, stated that they had tried other avenues before taking to the streets.
The "March of Dignity" has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including media outlets and social media platforms. According to reports, some sources have highlighted additional conditions for eligibility, including an age limit of 40 years and registration with an employment office. However, these conditions have not been officially confirmed.
The march is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about unemployment and job creation in Tunisia. With many graduates struggling to find employment, the issue has become a pressing concern for the government. The implementation of the 2025 law is seen as a potential solution to address the plight of unemployed graduates.
As the marchers continue on their journey, they are expected to face various challenges, including logistical and security concerns. Nevertheless, they remain determined to present their grievances to President Saïed and push for the implementation of the law. The outcome of the march and the government's response remain to be seen.
Key points
- The marchers are demanding the implementation of a law that provides for the recruitment of long-term unemployed graduates into public service and the public sector.
- The law, passed in December 2025, has yet to be implemented due to a lack of application decrees and the launch of the required digital platform.
- The march is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about unemployment and job creation in Tunisia.
