Rached Ghannouchi
Rached Ghannouchi
- Full name: Rachid al-Ghannushi
- Born: June 29, 1949
- Place of birth: Hamma Sousse, Tunisia
- Nationality: Tunisian
- Political party: Ennahda Movement
- Occupation: Politician, engineer
- Spouse: Hajer Bakir
- Children: Fadhel, Yahya, Mu'adh
Early life and education:
- Ghannouchi was born in the coastal town of Hamma Sousse, Tunisia, on June 29, 1949.
- He studied engineering at the University of Tunis El Manar, graduating in 1972.
- During his university years, Ghannouchi became involved in political activism, joining the Tunisian Islamic Tendancy Movement (TIM).
Political career:
- In 1981, Ghannouchi co-founded the Ennahda Movement, an Islamist political party.
- The party was banned by the Tunisian government, and Ghannouchi was arrested and imprisoned several times.
- In 1991, Ghannouchi was released from prison and went into exile in London, where he continued to lead the Ennahda Movement.
- After the 2011 Tunisian Revolution, Ghannouchi returned to Tunisia and was elected leader of the Ennahda Movement.
- In 2014, the Ennahda Movement won the first free elections in Tunisia's history, and Ghannouchi became Prime Minister.
- He served as Prime Minister until 2016, when he resigned amid political turmoil.
Views and policies:
- Ghannouchi is a moderate Islamist who believes in democracy and pluralism.
- He has said that he wants to create a "modern, democratic, and Islamic state" in Tunisia.
- Ghannouchi has also said that he wants to improve Tunisia's relations with other countries in the region and around the world.
Awards and recognition:
- In 2012, Ghannouchi was awarded the Chatham House Prize, which is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the improvement of international relations.
- In 2013, he was named one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time magazine.
Personal life:
- Ghannouchi is married to Hajer Bakir, and they have three sons: Fadhel, Yahya, and Mu'adh.
- He speaks Arabic, French, and English.