Ben Ali received a higher education in electronics and obtained a diploma in electronic engineering. He also studied at the French Saint Cyril Military Academy, the French Xia Long-Marne Artillery Academy, the American Advanced Intelligence and Security Academy, and the American Field and Air Defense Artillery School.

Since 1958, Ben Ali has successively served as staff officer of the General Staff, director of the Military Security Division, naval attache of the Moroccan Air Force, Commissioner of the Office of the Minister of National Defense, director of the General Administration of National Security, ambassador to Poland, State Secretary in charge of national security of the Ministry of the Interior, ministerial representative in charge of national security of the Prime Minister's Office, and Minister of the Interior.

1in April, 979, Ben Ali was promoted from colonel to brigadier general.

1987 in may, he became the minister of state for the interior of Tunisia. In June 5438+10, he became Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior and General Secretary of the Socialist Constitutional Party. 165438+ 10 In October, after former President bourguiba was dismissed, Ben Ali became president.

1In February, 988, the Socialist Constitutional Party was renamed the Constitutional Democratic Alliance, with Ben Ali as its chairman.

1989 In April, Ben Ali was elected President of Tunisia. After that, he was re-elected for four times in 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009.

In April, he paid an official goodwill visit to China.

1999 10, the first presidential election with multi-party participation after independence was suddenly held, and Ben Ali won the presidency again with a high vote.

2011115, Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia.

Family members: wife, five daughters and a son.