Habib Bourguiba Quotes

Break the fast, and you will be stronger to confront the enemy.

Habib Bourguiba

I have promised the Tunisian people that the French army will go, If I fail, I will be swept away.

Habib Bourguiba

Tunisia is always ready to turn the page.

Habib Bourguiba

Today I am the President of the Republic, but I will be the first to join the Maquis.

Habib Bourguiba

How many times, have I had to seat women whom I received at audiences next to me, rather than facing me, in order to avoid general embarrassment? Nothing should compel us to suffer such trials. It puts the nerves of men and the modesty of women to a severe test.

Habib Bourguiba

You are wrong. The state and its existence are essential before everything else. All this preoccupation with liberty is not serious.

Habib Bourguiba

At the moment of a revolution there is no question of setting up a democracy like that in America. If they accuse me of dictatorship, I accept. I am creating a nation. Liberty must be suppressed until the end of the war in Algeriauntil the nation becomes homogeneous.

Habib Bourguiba

I have carried this abscess too far, Tunisia is going through a difficult period. Freedom is dangerous.

Habib Bourguiba

Yes, I am Western, and I will remain so.

Habib Bourguiba

We have the proof that our disagreement with the U.A.R. is more than a simple misunderstanding.

Habib Bourguiba

While I am alive, not a hair on Jewish heads will be touched.

Habib Bourguiba

Basically and profoundly, we are with the West.

Habib Bourguiba

The only Jews who interest us are our fellow citizens.

Habib Bourguiba

When a house is on fire, the neighbors' duty is to put it out.

Habib Bourguiba