Background
Slaheddine Bali was born on July 29, 1926, at Tunis.
Slaheddine Bali was born on July 29, 1926, at Tunis.
He was educated at Tunis and a graduated in Tunisian and French law.
After university he went into the Department of Finance and became an Inspector of Finance in 1949. He returned to practise law and was appointed prosecutor at military tribunals in 1957. After years of routine cases, his chance to prove he was more than the average army lawyer came in 1961 when he was instructed to lead the prosecution at a trial of army officers accused of plotting to kill the President. His skill in handling the case made Bourguiba, whose niece he married, mark him down for promotion.
He achieved it in 1966 when he became Chef de Cabinet at the Ministry of Defence. This gave him the scope he needed to satisfy his ambitions. He lectured in military law and started editing the “Armed Forces Review”. After five years at the ministry he was made Secretary-General.
As head of Tunisia’s Olympic Committee, he attended the Munich games in September 1972.
All-round expert on military affairs whose views carry considerable weight with President Bourguiba and his government. His legal training and his experience in financial administration give him an excellent springboard for advancement. Working closely with senior members of the cabinet, he has established a position of authority in matters of national security.