Habib Bourguiba

Habib Ben Ali Bourguiba (born August 3, 1903 in Monastir, Tunisia – died April 6, 2000) was a Tunisian politican and was President of Tunisia from 1957 to 1987. He is often compared to Turkish leader Kemal Atatürk because of the pro-Western reforms enacted during his administration.

Related Topics:
August 3 - 1903 - Monastir - Tunisia - April 6 - 2000 - Tunisian - President of Tunisia - 1957 - 1987 - Kemal Atatürk - Pro-Western reforms

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Bourguiba was installed as president in 1957 after the overthrow of King Muhammad VIII al-Amin, Tunisia's constitutional monarch. Regarded as an ideological moderate, he promoted secularism and women's rights. He was chosen as President for Life by the Tunisian parliament in 1975, although a liberalization program began in 1981 following the sacking of conservative Prime Minister Hédi Nouira.

Related Topics:
President - 1957 - Muhammad VIII al-Amin - Secularism - Women's rights - President for Life - Parliament - 1975 - Liberalization - 1981 - Prime Minister - Hédi Nouira

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His presidency was terminated when his advanced age and increasing senility led current Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to stage a coup d'état against Bourguiba's government. Bourguiba was subsequently held under house arrest in Monastir until his death.

Related Topics:
Prime Minister - Zine El Abidine Ben Ali - Coup d'état - House arrest

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