Evacuation Day

Evacuation Day in Tunisia commemorates October 15, 1963, when the final French troops left the Bizerte base. Although France recognised Tunisian independence in 1956, its continued military presence meant that territorial decolonisation was incomplete. Tunisia pressed for withdrawal as the Algerian war and the base's strategic role complicated negotiations.

The dispute erupted into the Bizerte crisis in July 1961, with fighting involving French and Tunisian forces and Tunisian civilians, heavy casualties and Security Council action calling for a ceasefire. Negotiations later produced the 1963 withdrawal. Responsible commemoration distinguishes documented history from partisan casualty claims and centres the human cost as well as sovereignty.

The decree grants one public-sector leave day every October 15. Presidential Decree No. 2021-223 grants holiday leave to personnel of the State, local authorities and administrative public institutions; its wording is not a blanket rule for every private workplace. Labour Code articles 107-110 provide that paid non-working holidays in private employment are fixed by decree or collective agreements, protect covered pay and add an equal indemnity where an employee in a non-stoppable activity works the holiday. Employees must therefore check the rule or collective agreement governing their sector. Neither cited text creates a general next-working-day substitute when a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.