On December 17, 2010, the immolation of a street vendor in Sidi Bouzid launched the popular uprising that brought down the dictatorship. Today, the young democracy faces economic difficulties that fuel disillusionment.
“Freedom, dignity and work: that was the slogan of the revolution. We got freedom, more or less dignity, but no work.” Young quadra, Fedhia oscillates between disappointment and optimism, he who threw stones during the revolution of Jasmine, in his town of Sidi Bouzid, 280 km south of Tunis.
This is where it all started on December 17, 2010, after Mohamed Bouazizi, a fruit and vegetable seller, set himself on fire, outraged by police bullying.
Ben Ali donated after 23 years in power
After weeks of protests across the country, President Ben Ali released twenty-three years of autocratic power; Tunisia entered a democracy. Ten years later, the portrait of Mohamed Bouazizi is displayed on the facade of the Post Office, in front of the town hall of the city of 85,000 inhabitants.
Almost every day, small demonstrations take place there. About twenty people demand jobs at the town hall, aid in favor of cultural professions, the protection of women farmers… Freedom is reflected in these micro-demonstrations, unthinkable under Ben Ali. Today, every Tunisian can hold up a sign, organize a sit-in, or just speak out.
“We won rights, like the right to criticize”
“A lot of people have seen their hopes dashed, estimates Amri Tahar, who founded the association Solidarité Emploi-Mohamed Bouazizi. The economic and social situation is not better and it is the main concern, but our country is open to new possibilities. We won rights, like the right to criticize. ”
Civil society has taken its place. The number of associations has tripled in the country, to support the democratic transition, help development …
A hospital still waiting
Marginalized under the old regime, like all cities in the interior regions, Sidi Bouzid gives the impression of having profited from its status as the cradle of the revolution. The main avenue is lined with new or repainted buildings, and is home to upscale cafes. But you only need to walk away to find potholes, half-completed constructions and dumps of wild garbage …
The government has made many promises, including that of a teaching hospital which remains in the planning stage. The regional hospital has crumbling walls, a glaring shortage of equipment and staff. Jalel, doctor, is discouraged: We have to cancel operations regularly. Those who have the means will seek treatment elsewhere. The poorest sometimes sleep in the parking lot while waiting to be picked up.
“17.7% unemployed”
One of the state’s rare achievements draws all sarcasm: the brand new semi-Olympic swimming pool. It closed as soon as it opened, “laugh the locals. The municipality, which recovered the equipment without additional budget, did not have the means to keep it running.
Abdelkader Néji, the mayor, promises a reopening in 2021: “During the two months it was opened, you should see the smiles of the children who were swimming. Some retort that it was not the priority, but one of the The watchwords of the revolution were “Dignity. And dignity is also to offer children in the interior the possibility of learning to swim.”
Work remains the black spot. There are officially 17.7% of unemployed in Sidi Bouzid. Young people like Ayoub, a trained veterinarian, spend their day in cafes: “Unemployment is a tradition in Tunisia. It’s just more difficult here, because there is nothing to do.” By his side, Sameh, electrician without a job, shrugs his shoulders when talking about the revolution: “What is the point of having freedom while aggravating poverty?”
