Beji Caid Essebsi initiated his political involvement in 1941 by joining the Neo Destour youth organization. His career spanned six decades, shifting from a lawyer defending activists during the French protectorate era to becoming the first democratically elected president of Tunisia in 2014, a position he held until his death in 2019.
Early Career and Administrative Roles
Born in 1926 in Sidi Bou Said, Essebsi studied at Sadiki College before attending the Paris Faculty of Law and Economics. Upon returning to Tunisia, he served as a legal advocate for Neo-Destour members. He acted as an adviser to Habib Bourguiba following the country's independence in 1956. Between 1965 and 1970, he held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Interior and Minister of Defence, before serving as the ambassador of Tunisia to France from 1970 to 1971.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Government Service and Diplomatic Tenure
Essebsi returned to cabinet duties in 1981, serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs until 1986. Following his time in the foreign office, he took on diplomatic roles in West Germany and served as the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies between 1990 and 1991. He remained largely absent from active politics for the duration of the subsequent decade until the Tunisian Revolution.
Interim Leadership and Presidency
In February 2011, following the resignation of Mohamed Ghannouchi, Essebsi was appointed Prime Minister of Tunisia, a post he held for the remainder of that year. After founding the Nidaa Tounes party, he secured a plurality in the 2014 parliamentary elections and won the subsequent presidential contest. During his presidency, he advocated for legal reforms regarding inheritance equality and women’s rights before announcing in 2019 that he would not seek re-election.
Fast facts
- Born: 1926, Sidi Bou Said
- Died: 2019, Military hospital of Tunis
- President of Tunisia: 2014-2019
- Prime Minister of Tunisia: 2011
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: 1981-1986
- Minister of Interior: 1965-1969
- Burial place: Jellaz cemetery
- Education: Paris Faculty of Law and Economics
Questions readers ask
Was Beji Caid Essebsi the first democratically elected president of Tunisia?
Yes, he became the first democratically elected president following the 2014 presidential election.
Where is Beji Caid Essebsi buried?
He is buried at the Jellaz cemetery in Tunis.
Achievements
- President of Tunisia (2014–2019)
- Minister of Interior (1965–1969)
- Prime Minister of Tunisia (2011–2011)
- ambassador of Tunisia to France (1970–1971)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit — 1969
- Royal Order of the Seraphim — 2015
- Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic — 2017
- National Maltese Order of Merit — 2019
- Educated at Paris Faculty of Law and Economics and Sadiki College
