Tunisia's unemployment conundrum

Protests against unemployment are being reported with increasing frequency across Tunisia. The protests were sparked by an attempted suicide in mid-December by a local youth who set himself ablaze in protest over his employment status. The incident sparked widespread protests across the country and revealed that frustration at government's economic policy is heightened and growing. Tunisia has one the regions most literate and educated population, however, joblessness remains a significant obstacle to long term stability. Unemployment is officially 14% however is significantly higher among the 18-30 year old demographic. The government's economic policies have also focused on tourism and most new jobs are aimed at low skill workers. With tens of thousands of unemployed graduates in the country, the government will need to act decisively to avoid a sustained protest movement which could eventually come to challenge the central government.