France–Tunisia relations
France–Tunisia relations refers to current and historical relationship between France and Tunisia. France 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. At the time, Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba noted "France and Tunisia will never again be exclusive partners". 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.
