Who Is Zine El Abidine Ben Ali? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was born on September 3, 1936. As of 2025, he would be 88 years old. He served as the President of Tunisia from 1987 until his ousting in January 2011 during the Tunisian Revolution. His rule was marked by political repression, economic challenges, and controversies surrounding human rights. Following his exile, he lived in Saudi Arabia until his death on September 19, 2021. To learn more about his early life and presidency, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1936 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Hammam Sousse, French Tunisia |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Date of death | 19 September, 2019 |
| Died Place | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
Popularity
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific body measurements for Zine El Abidine Ben Ali during his later years are less documented, it is reported that he was of average height and maintained a relatively sturdy physique throughout his life. In his youth, he was known to be disciplined concerning his health and appearance, although exact figures on height and weight are not publicly available.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ben Ali was married to Leila Ben Ali, who became a prominent figure during his presidency, often involved in charity work and government initiatives. The couple had three children: Zine El Abidine, Hedi, and Nesrine. Due to the political turmoil that led to his exile, not much is known about the family’s status or relationships after his departure from Tunisia.
On 14 January 2011, following a month of protests against his rule, he fled to Saudi Arabia along with his wife Leïla Ben Ali and their three children. The interim Tunisian government asked Interpol to issue an international arrest warrant, charging him with money laundering and drug trafficking.
A Tunisian court sentenced Ben Ali and his wife in absentia to 35 years in prison on 20 June 2011 on charges of theft and unlawful possession of cash and jewelry, which was put up for auction.
In June 2012, a Tunisian court sentenced him in absentia to life imprisonment for inciting violence and murder and another life sentence by a military court in April 2013 for violent repression of protests in Sfax.
He served none of those sentences, subsequently dying in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 19 September 2019 at the age of 83 after nearly a decade in exile.
Net Worth and Salary
Before his ousting, Ben Ali was often criticized for his immense wealth, which was amassed during his presidency. Estimates of his net worth varied widely, with some sources placing it in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars. However, exact figures are difficult to confirm, and reports suggested that his family was involved in multiple business ventures, which contributed to their substantial wealth.
Career, Business, and Investments
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali began his career in the army and gradually ascended the political ladder, taking office as the president in 1987. He established a one-party state and emphasized economic development. His regime was characterized by heavy censorship and suppression of dissent. After his ousting, his properties were seized, and his investments in various sectors, including telecommunications and real estate, were scrutinized. His legacy remains controversial, primarily due to allegations of corruption and the injustices of his regime.
In April 1980, Ben Ali was appointed ambassador to Poland, and served in that position for four years. He also served as the military intelligence chief from 1964 to 1974 and later Director General of national security between December 1977 and 1980 until he was appointed as Minister of Defense.
Soon after the Tunisian bread riots in January 1984, he was reappointed director-general of national security.
Social Network
In terms of social media presence, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali did not have an active social media life, especially considering his tenure in a politically oppressive environment. His digital footprint emerged primarily post-presidency through news articles and discussions regarding his legacy. His family members, however, may have utilized social media platforms to connect with the public, although specifics are less documented.
Mebazaa took the oath in his office in parliament, swearing to respect the constitution in the presence of his senate counterpart, Abdallal Kallel, and representatives of both houses. It was also announced that the speaker of parliament would occupy the post of president temporarily and that elections would be held within a period of between 45 and 60 days.
Education
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali received military training at the Royal Military Academy in France, laying the groundwork for his future political career. His education also included various military and political training programs, which equipped him with the skills needed to execute leadership roles within Tunisia's government and military.
In conclusion, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's story is a complex tapestry of power, repression, and eventual downfall. Understanding his life provides insight not only into his personal achievements and failings but into the broader context of Tunisia’s political landscape. As of 2025, his legacy continues to influence discussions around governance and democracy in the region.
