Ben Ali’s Biography

At the dawn of November 7th, 1987, Tunisians learned that a new President, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, acceded to the highest Executive Office. In an official declaration broadcast on the National Radio, the new President announced the advent of a New Era for Tunisia, and called on his fellow citizens to join him in establishing a just, balanced, and democratic society moving along the path of progress and modernity.

The whole country welcomed the Change with relief. The new President brought to the nation a coherent societal project, ushering in a new era of diligent action and hard work in order to build a bright future for Tunisia.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was born on September 3, 1936, in Hammam-Sousse, to a moderate-income family which brought him up to respect tradition, and imbued him with a sense of dignity, patriotism, and respect for others. From his family upbringing, he developed a propensity for simplicity, hard work and rigor, as well as a sense of moderation and tolerance.

While still a student in the Sousse Secondary School, Ben Ali heeded the call of patriotic duty. Outraged by colonial oppression, he resolutely joined the National Movement, acting as liaison between the regional structures of the Neo-Destour Party and the armed struggle. As a result, he was imprisoned and dismissed from all educational institutions in Tunisia. Still, he did not give up. He resumed his studies with energy and determination to move into higher education after completing secondary school.