Habib (ibn Ali) Bourguiba

Tunisian politician, prime minister (1956–7), and president (1957–87), born in Monastir, NE Tunisia. He studied law in Paris and became a radical Tunisian nationalist in 1934. Over the next 20 years he served three prison sentences imposed by the French authorities. In 1956, however, his moderation led to his being accepted as Tunisia's first prime minister, becoming president in 1957. His authority was threatened by riots instigated by Islamic fundamentalists in 1983 and 1984, and subsequently he exercised little influence on policy. In 1987 he was deposed by his prime minister, General Ben Ali.

Habib Ben Ali Bourguiba (Arabic: حبيب بورقيبة) (born August 3, 1903 in Monastir, Tunisia – died April 6, 2000) was a Tunisian statesman and the first President of the Republic of Tunisia from July 25, 1957 to November 7, 1987.

Prime Minister Habib Bourguiba was elected president on July 25, 1957 after the destitution of Bey Mohamed Lamine, the abolition of the constitutional monarchy and the proclamation of the Republic of Tunisia by the representatives of the people meeting in the Constituent Assembly.

His presidency ended when his advanced age and increasing senility led his Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and constitutionally designated successor to invoke article 57 of the constitution deposing him on November 7th, 1987. On orders of the new President Ben Ali, he was subsequently allowed to remain at the Presidency in Carthage for several days until he fully comprehended and accepted the new political situation. He later requested to move to Monastir, his birth city, and the government ordered the Governor of Monastir to leave his official residence in order for President Bourguiba and his attendants to move in. President Bourguiba visited with his successor at the Palace of Carthage and President Ben Ali paid him public visits on the occasion of Independence Day or other major holidays.