Abdelkarim Zbidi

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Abdelkrim Zbidi July 29, 2012

Abdelkarim Zbidi (Arabic: عبد الكريم الزبيدي

born 25 June 1950) is a Tunisian politician who has served as the Minister of National Defense of Tunisia on multiple occasions. He is known for his significant contributions to the Tunisian military and his role in the country's political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Abdelkarim Zbidi was born in Ras Jebel, a town in the Bizerte Governorate of Tunisia. He pursued his higher education at the University of Tunis, where he earned a degree in medicine. Zbidi further specialized in radiology and nuclear medicine, establishing himself as a respected figure in the medical field before transitioning into politics.

Political Career

Zbidi's political career began in earnest when he was appointed as the Minister of National Defense in 2011, during a critical period following the Tunisian Revolution. He served under President Moncef Marzouki and Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the country and reform the military.

In 2017, Zbidi was reappointed as the Minister of National Defense by President Beji Caid Essebsi and Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. During this period, he focused on modernizing the Tunisian Armed Forces and enhancing the country's defense capabilities.

Presidential Candidacy

In 2019, Abdelkarim Zbidi announced his candidacy for the 2019 Tunisian presidential election. Running as an independent candidate, he aimed to leverage his extensive experience in defense and governance to address the nation's challenges. Although he did not win the election, his campaign highlighted key issues such as national security and economic reform.

Personal Life

Zbidi is known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to the development of Tunisia. He remains an influential figure in Tunisian politics and continues to be involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the country's defense and security sectors.

See Also

• Tunisian Revolution
• Ministry of National Defense (Tunisia)
• 2019 Tunisian presidential election
• Beji Caid Essebsi
• Youssef Chahed