# Tunisian social and political unrest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-social-and-political-unrest > Updated: 2026-10-23T01:36:52.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 4. Tunisia has experienced escalating social and political unrest driven by economic hardship and governance concerns. Initial tensions centered on long-term unemployment among university graduates and regional grievances regarding labor rights and environmental issues. In response to these pressures, President Kaïs Saïed met with government officials to discuss Law No. 18 of 2025, which aims to facilitate the recruitment of unemployed graduates. On October 17, 2026, the situation culminated in large-scale demonstrations in Tunis. Organized by the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) and nine civil society organizations, thousands of protesters marched through Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Demonstrators accused the President of mismanaging an economy facing shortages of medicine, food, and utilities, while demanding the protection of political freedoms. UGTT Secretary-General Salah Eddine Salmi criticized the concentration of power, stating that ‘silence is no longer acceptable.’ By October 20, 2026, the persistent economic crisis and lack of social change have increasingly driven young Tunisians to consider emigration. Citizens report that rising costs of living, including rent, loans, and education, alongside difficulties accessing basic medical necessities, have made securing a stable future nearly impossible. On October 23, 2026, violent unrest erupted as clashes broke out between police and protesters in Tunis and the southern town of Jebiniana. In the Tunis suburb of Ettadhamen, security forces used tear gas following the death of a man in detention. In Jebiniana, protesters clashed with police and set a vehicle on fire following the death of a man whose relatives claim died during a chase by security forces. Additionally, students in Sfax protested the death of a female student, alleging that delayed ambulance response times contributed to her fatality. ## Claims - The family of the deceased man in Ettadhamen claims he died due to police abuse. (disputed by 3 sources) - Local media reported the man in Ettadhamen died after swallowing drugs. (disputed by 3 sources) - The protest was led by the UGTT labor union and civil society groups. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Thousands of people demonstrated in Tunis against President Kais Saied. (corroborated by 24 sources) - Protesters demanded the release of incarcerated critics of the president. (corroborated by 23 sources) - Tunisia is experiencing an economic crisis with shortages of medicine and essential goods. (corroborated by 21 sources) - Salah Eddine Salmi criticized the concentration of power in the presidency. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Saied dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree in 2021. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Protesters demanded an end to restrictions on trade union rights. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Saied rejects allegations that he is undermining democracy or acting as a dictator. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Demonstrators expressed frustration over the rising cost of living and unemployment. (corroborated by 10 sources) - AFP estimated that more than 3,000 people participated in the march in Tunis. (corroborated by 7 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Tunisia: Protests and police clashes erupt in Tunis and Sfax Police and protesters clashed in Tunisia's capital and Sfax following several civilian deaths, amid a deepening national economic and political crisis. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-protests-and-police-clashes-erupt-in-tunis-and-sfax ### 2026-10-20: Tunisia: Economic hardship drives young citizens toward emigration Economic instability and rising living costs are driving many young Tunisians to consider emigrating as they seek better prospects and stability under President Kais Saied's administration. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-economic-hardship-drives-young-citizens-to-consider-emigration ### 2026-10-17: Tunisia: Thousands protest against President Kais Saied Thousands of Tunisians led by the UGTT union marched in Tunis to protest against President Kais Saied, citing economic hardship, rising costs, and the erosion of democratic freedoms and political rights. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-thousands-protest-against-president-kais-saied ### 2026-10-08: Tunisia faces social unrest over unemployment and recruitment laws Tunisia faces rising social unrest and planned national protests as the government works to implement new laws for the exceptional recruitment of long-term unemployed university graduates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-faces-social-unrest-over-unemployment-and-recruitment-laws --- Cite as: Tunisian social and political unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-social-and-political-unrest