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Beji Caid EssebsiTunisian politician and lawyer
Date of Birth: 29.11.1926
Country:  Tunisia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Political Career
- Diplomatic Service
- Parliament and the Judiciary
- Prime Minister of Tunisia
Early Life and Education
Béji Caïd Essebsiwas born on November 29, 1926, in Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia. His family had close ties to the ruling establishment during the French protectorate. Essebsi studied law in Paris, graduating in 1950. He became a lawyer in the Court of Cassation in 1952.
Early Political Career
Essebsi began his political career by defending activists of the Neo Destour, a Tunisian nationalist party. After Tunisia gained independence in 1956, he became an advisor to Habib Bourguiba, the country's first president. From 1957 to 1971, Essebsi held several important government positions, including Minister of Interior, Minister of Defense, and Ambassador to France.
Diplomatic Service
In 1981, Essebsi returned to government as Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role he held until 1986. He faced several major crises during this period, including the arrival of Palestinian rebels in Bizerte and the Israeli bombing of the Palestine Liberation Organization headquarters in Hammam Chott.
Parliament and the Judiciary
From 1990 to 1991, Essebsi served as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. He left parliament in 1994 and resumed his law practice. He also served as an arbitrator in the Court of Appeal of Tunis.
Prime Minister of Tunisia
In 2011, Essebsi became Prime Minister of Tunisia following the resignation of Mohamed Ghannouchi during the Arab Spring. He led the country through a transition to democracy and drafted a new constitution. Essebsi was elected President of Tunisia in 2014 and served until his death in 2019.
