Habib Bourguiba Biography and Timeline

Prime Minister of Tunisia

Habib Bourguiba became prime minister after independence and formed a national government.

Role range: 1956-1957 – 1956-1957

Code of Personal Status

The government promulgated the Code of Personal Status, reforming marriage, divorce, and family law.

Role range: 1956-1957 – 1956-1957

Independence of Tunisia

Tunisia gains independence from France with a monarchy

Independence

Tunisia gains independence from France with a monarchy

Prime Minister of Tunisia

Appointed Prime Minister of Tunisia

Constitution of Tunisia

Tunisia becomes a Republic

President of Tunisia

Appointed President of Tunisia, 1st term

Constitution of Tunisia

Tunisia promulgated its first republican constitution, establishing a presidential system.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Presidential Election

Habib Bourguiba won Tunisia's first presidential election under the republican constitution.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Bizerte Crisis

Tunisia confronted France over the continued French military presence at Bizerte.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

French Evacuation of Bizerte

The final French forces withdrew from Bizerte, ending France's military presence in Tunisia.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Socialist Destourian Party

The Neo Destour party was renamed the Socialist Destourian Party during its national congress.

General Election - General Election

Tunisia held presidential and legislative elections under the single-party political system.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

General Election Election Outcome

General election outcome recorded for Habib Bourguiba: Tunisia held presidential and legislative elections under the single-party political system.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

General Election Government

Government context for this general election: Tunisia held presidential and legislative elections under the single-party political system.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

General Election

Tunisia held presidential and legislative elections under the single-party political system.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Creation of Prime Ministry

A decree created the office of prime minister and defined its responsibilities.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Legislative Election

Tunisia held a legislative election under the Socialist Destourian Party government.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

President of Tunisia

Appointed President of Tunisia, 2nd term, for life

Legislative Election

Tunisia held a legislative election for the national assembly.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Legislative Election

Tunisia held a legislative election allowing opposition lists to compete, although the ruling front won every seat.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Bread Riots

Protests began after the government increased bread and cereal prices by reducing food subsidies.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Restoration of Food Subsidies

Habib Bourguiba restored bread subsidies after nationwide unrest over food prices.

Role range: 1957-1987 – 1957-1987

Diplomatic relations are broken with Libya

Diplomatic relations are broken with Libya

Coup

Ben Ali declares Bourguiba incompetent & seizes power