Prime Minister of Tunisia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia |
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Coat of arms of Tunisia
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| Cabinet of Tunisia | |
| Style | Prime Minister (informal) His/Her Excellency (formal, diplomatic) |
| Member of | Cabinet |
| Reports to | |
| Residence | Dar El Bey |
| Appointer | President of Tunisia |
| Term length | Variable |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Tunisia |
| Formation | 12 February 1759 |
| First holder | Rejeb Khaznadar |
| Salary | 8000TND monthly (US$ 2,867) |
The prime minister of Tunisia (Arabic: رئيس حكومة تونس, romanized: re’īs ḥukūmet Tūnis) is a very important leader in the government of Tunisia. They are the main person in charge of the executive branch. This means they help run the country day-to-day.
The prime minister works closely with the president. Together, they lead the country. The prime minister and their team of ministers are responsible to the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, which is like Tunisia's parliament. They are also accountable to their political party and, most importantly, to the people who voted for them.
The job of prime minister was first created in 1759. Rejeb Khaznadar was the first person to hold this position. The role was brought back in 1969 by Habib Bourguiba. After the Tunisian Revolution in 2011, the prime minister gained more power. They now share executive authority with the president. However, a new constitution in 2022 gave the president more power, making Tunisia a presidential republic.
The president chooses the prime minister. This person is usually from the political party that won the most seats in the parliamentary election. The chosen prime minister then has one month to pick their cabinet (their team of ministers). This team must be approved by the parliament. If approved, they are officially sworn in by the president. The parliament can also remove the prime minister and their cabinet if they lose trust in them.
Since 1759, 46 different people have been prime minister. The current prime minister is Sara Zaafarani, who started on March 21, 2025.
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History of Tunisia's Prime Ministers
During the time of the Tunisian monarchy, the prime minister was the head of the government. The Bey (the ruler) would choose and dismiss them. This job started in 1759 when Ali II became Bey. Rejeb Khaznadar was the very first prime minister of Tunisia.
For a long time, this position was usually held by Mamluks. These were people of foreign origin who were brought to Tunisia when they were young. They served the Royal Family and the government. Famous examples include Mustapha Khaznadar and Kheireddine Pacha.
Mohammed Aziz Bouattour was the first Tunisian-born person to become prime minister in 1882. He held the job for almost 25 years, which is the longest in Tunisia's history. During his time, the French protectorate began in Tunisia.
In those days, prime ministers were not part of political parties. They were chosen by the monarch. There were no parliamentary elections until Tunisia gained independence. After independence, Habib Bourguiba became the first prime minister chosen through an election in 1956.
There were a couple of exceptions. Mohamed Chenik (in 1943 and 1950) and Tahar Ben Ammar (in 1954) were members of the Destour Party. They were appointed by the Bey. This caused problems, especially in 1943. Muhammad VII Munsif appointed Chenik without talking to the French. This led to a big political crisis and the Bey's dismissal.
The prime minister's office was removed when the monarchy ended. The republic was established, and Prime Minister Bourguiba became the first president. The job of prime minister was empty until 1969. It was brought back when the government system changed from a presidential one to a semi-presidential one.
How Tunisia's Prime Minister is Chosen
After a national election, the president chooses a candidate. This person is usually from the party that won the most votes. They then have one month to form a government.
The chosen prime minister must present their plans to the Assembly of the Representatives of the People. This is Tunisia's parliament. They need to get the support of most of the members. If they get enough votes, the president officially appoints them as prime minister.
If the candidate cannot form a government or doesn't get enough support, the president talks to other political parties. They try to find another suitable candidate. If four months pass after the election and no prime minister gets approved, the president can call for a new election.
When the prime minister is appointed, they take an oath in front of the president. They promise to work for Tunisia's good and respect its laws.
I swear by Almighty God to work faithfully for the good of Tunisia, to respect its Constitution and laws, scrupulously to their interests and serve loyally.
Powers of the Prime Minister in Tunisia
The powers of the prime minister are set out in Tunisia's Constitution of 2014. The prime minister is mainly in charge of things happening inside the country. This includes everyday issues and policies.
The president handles foreign policy, defense, and national security.
The prime minister is responsible for several key tasks:
- Creating, changing, or closing down government ministries. However, they need the president's approval for the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs.
- Setting up, changing, or closing down public organizations and government departments.
- Issuing government rules and orders after discussing them with the Council of Ministers (the cabinet).
- Approving and signing official orders issued by other ministers.
- Asking the parliament to vote on whether they still trust the government.
The prime minister and the president both represent Tunisia. They do this both within the country and when dealing with other nations.
If the president cannot do their job for a short time, the prime minister can act as president for up to 60 days. If the president's inability is permanent, or if they resign or pass away, the speaker of the parliament becomes interim president. This lasts for 45 to 90 days until new elections can be held.
Timeline of Prime Ministers of Tunisia
See Also
In Spanish: Jefe de Gobierno de Túnez para niños
- Tunisia
- List of Beys of Tunis
- List of French residents-general in Tunisia
- List of prime ministers of Tunisia
- President of Tunisia
- List of presidents of Tunisia
- First Lady of Tunisia
- Lists of office-holders
- List of current heads of state and government
