The office existed before independence as the Monarch appoint a prime minister to be the head of government.
In November 1969, President Habib Bourguiba brought back the position by appointing Bahi Ladgham to be the first prime minister under the republican system.
Before the 2011 revolution, the role of the prime minister was limited to assisting the president.
Three prime ministers became presidents afterwards: Habib Bourguiba, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and Beji Caid Essebsi.
The most recent former prime minister to die is Rachid Sfar on 20 July 2023.