Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi (right) with his wife, Nadia Fadel-Bazzi.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – President Donald Trump announced on social media March 11 that he was appointing Mayor Bill Bazzi to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia.
The U.S. Senate, which has a Republican majority, is expected to confirm the nomination.
“I am honored and appreciate President Donald Trump’s appointment to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia” Bazzi said. “Among the many countries I have visited over the years, I hold a great affinity to Tunisia and its honorable parliament, mayors and members of its council — along with the people I met while touring orphanages, women’s career centers, schools, and a multitude of companies which distinguish the country’s rising presence throughout the region.
“With my visits overseas, the cohort visits to the U.S., and the relations we have established over the years, I am excited to return to Tunisia and honorably represent our country as its U.S. ambassador. My purpose is to continue serving in capacities which make a positive impact and promote peace and diplomatic partnerships, which benefit our country and enhance global relations.”
Bazzi supported Trump during the recent presidential election, and was pictured with him at local media events.
Should Bazzi resign his mayoral position, the City Council would vote on his replacement, with current City Council President Mo Baydoun a likely front-runner for the position.
The city is scheduled to hold a mayoral election in December, with the field narrowed to two candidates during an August primary.
Bazzi is Marine veteran. He worked with Boeing as a quality manager and Ford Motor Co. as a product development engineer before retiring to serve as the mayor of Dearborn Heights.
Tunisia, located in North Africa, is bordered by Algeria, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a predominately Arabic and Muslim nation.
Tourists are warned that the region has a heightened risk for terrorism, civil unrest and petty crime.
Tunisia is a presidential republic. It was a democracy from 2014 to 2021, after which it backslid to become a “hybrid regime.” It has close relations with the European Union, Pakistan and the United States.