The oldest leaders in the world right now
The corridors of power are lined with the portraits of leaders whose years in office match the depth of their experience. These elder statesmen have not only witnessed history but have also shaped it with their policies and decisions. As they continue to lead their nations, they offer a blend of seasoned governance and a repository of knowledge that only time can bestow. This article delves into the lives of such leaders, chronicling their influence on the world stage.
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Paul Biya
Age: 91
Paul Biya, born on February 13, 1933, has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. Before his presidency, he served as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982. Biya’s rise in politics began in the 1960s under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, where he held various bureaucratic roles, including Secretary-General of the Presidency. His tenure as President has seen political reforms and the introduction of multiparty politics in the early 1990s. Despite allegations of voting irregularities, he has been re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2018.
Image: Reuters
Mahmoud Abbas
Age: 88
Mahmoud Abbas, born on November 15, 1935, has been a central figure in Palestinian politics and the quest for statehood. As President of the State of Palestine and the Palestinian National Authority since 2005, Abbas has steered the Palestinian leadership through complex negotiations and internal divisions. His political career began in the 1950s, and he played a key role in the Oslo Accords. Despite controversies and challenges, his tenure has been marked by his persistent pursuit of a two-state solution and efforts to gain international recognition for Palestine.
Image: Reuters
King Salman
Age: 87
Ascending to the throne of Saudi Arabia in 2015, King Salman, born on December 31, 1935, has been a custodian of tradition and a proponent of cautious reform. His reign has seen both the preservation of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and steps towards modernization, reflecting his understanding of the kingdom’s role in a rapidly changing world.
Image: Reuters
Ali Khamenei
Age: 84
Ali Khamenei, born on July 17, 1939, has been a defining figure in Iran’s political landscape. As the Supreme Leader since 1989, he has navigated Iran through significant regional and international challenges. His leadership has been characterized by a staunch defense of Iran’s sovereignty and a strategic vision for its role in global affairs. Prior to his current role, Khamenei served as the President of Iran from 1981 to 1989, during which he played a key part in the Iran-Iraq War and shaped the country’s foreign policy. His tenure as Supreme Leader has seen him maintain a tight grip on Iran’s internal affairs while confronting external pressures and sanctions
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Joe Biden
Age: 81
The 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, born on November 20, 1942, brings to the White House a wealth of experience from his long service as a senator and vice president. His presidency, which began in 2021, encapsulates a lifetime of public service and a commitment to navigating the complexities of American democracy.
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Sheikh Hasina
Age: 76
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, born on September 28, 1947, has been a transformative figure in her nation’s politics. Her leadership, particularly in her fourth term since 2009, has been marked by significant strides in economic development and poverty reduction, earning her both domestic acclaim and international recognition.
Image: Reuters
Narendra Modi
Age: 73
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was born on September 17, 1950. Before becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, he served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. His tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by significant economic reforms, including the controversial demonetization initiative and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. Modi’s foreign policy has sought to elevate India’s standing on the world stage, engaging with global leaders and advocating for stronger economic ties . His leadership has also been characterized by a focus on digital infrastructure and initiatives like ‘Make in India’ to boost manufacturing.
Image: Reuters
Shehbaz Sharif
Age: 72
Pakistan’s political landscape saw a new chapter unfold with Shehbaz Sharif, born on September 23, 1951, assuming the office of Prime Minister in 2024. His political career, seasoned with previous roles such as the Chief Minister of Punjab, has been characterized by a focus on development and governance.
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Vladimir Putin
Age: 71
Vladimir Putin, born on October 7, 1952, has been a central figure in Russian politics for over two decades. His political career began in the KGB, and he rose to prominence under President Boris Yeltsin, eventually becoming Prime Minister in 1999. As President, Putin has overseen significant changes in Russia, including the centralization of power and the reassertion of Russia on the world stage. His leadership has been marked by both economic growth and political controversy, with his foreign policy often drawing international attention.
Image: Reuters
Xi Jinping
Age: 70
As China’s paramount leader, Xi Jinping, born on June 15, 1953, has been at the forefront of China’s rise as a global superpower. His leadership has been defined by a vision of national rejuvenation and an assertive foreign policy, steering China through a period of significant economic and technological growth.
Image: Reuters
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