France–Tunisia relations: Difference between revisions

'''France–Tunisia relations''' refers to [[bilateralism|current and historical relationship]] between [[France]] and [[Tunisia]]. France [[French conquest of Tunisia|conquered]] Tunisia in 1881 and established the [[French protectorate of Tunisia]], which lasted until Tunisia's independence in 1956. In 1957, France cut off financial aid totaling $33.5 million to Tunisia because of its support for neighboring [[Algeria]]'s independence movements.<ref name=Life1957/> At the time, Tunisian President [[Habib Bourguiba]] noted "France and Tunisia will never again be exclusive partners".<ref name=Life1957>[httphttps://books.google.com/books?id=Iz8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA65&dq=france+tunisia&hl=en&ei=g2FmTrqCI4X30gGT2vj4CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ6AEwADgU#v=onepage&q=france%20tunisia&f=false Democracy cannot be bargained for..."] [[Life magazine]], 8 July 1957</ref> From 1987 until the 2011 [[Tunisian Revolution]], France refused to criticize Tunisian President and ally [[Zine El Abidine Ben Ali]] despite the deaths of numerous non-violent protesters. Ben Ali eventually resigned.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2042005,00.html Why France Is Staying Silent on Tunisia Turmoil] [[Time Magazine]], 12 January 2011</ref>