About Tunisia | Modern Politics and History

In 1956 Tunisia received complete independence from France, and Habib Bourguiba became the Republic’s first President. Presdience Bourguiba had an eye to modernize Tunisia and having studied in France, was very keen to Westernization. Several reforms followed the French colonialism, including full suffrage for women, and universal primary education.

In the 1980s, Tunisia was threatened by Islamic Fundamentalism, after which President Habib Bourguiba banned men and women from wearing religious attire, including headscarves at school and in public offices. This ban was put in place to control the extremist religious way of dressing. But in 1987, the then Prime Minister, Zine el Abdine Ben Ali, took power by staging a bloodless coup under convictions that Habib Bourguiba was getting too old and senile to lead the country at such a pivotal time. Ben Ali was able to resist the Islamists and brought Tunisia towards stability again. President Ben Ali’s social reforms have been gradual in augmenting social openness and political voice.

Under President Ben Ali, the Constitution was amended to remove the presidency for life and automatic succession. In 1989, Tunisia held its first transparent and law-abiding presidential elections, and Ben Ali was elected President. The National Pact, the Tunisian General Union, and further economic refroms are just pieces of what Ben Ali has done for Tunisia.

Ben Ali is still the president, and presumably will stay put for a few more years. Unemployment is worsening, where in several parts of Tunisia unemployment is up to 40%. Unemployment is increasingly affecting white-collar workers: attorneys, doctors, and professors are unable to find a job since there is not money for salaries. You often find a university professor serving you mint tea at the corner cafe. College graduates are found at home without any work and any hope of applying their new degree. Prospects are low.

Price inflation is rocketing while salaries are either unmoving or decreasing. The pressure is building on the wallets of the middle class, who are moving closer and closer into economical strife.

Tunisia is also claimed to be one of the top 5 most censored nations in the world, more censored than China. Perhaps its because of this censorship Tunisia has successfully fought off all Islamists and radicals within the country and trying to enter. It remains incredibly safe and border-protected.

 

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