Mahmud Muntasser

Born to an influential family from Misrata and educated at the University of Rome, Mahmud Muntasser was chosen in 1950 to chair the transitional administration under UN supervision. On December 24, 1951, alongside King Idris I, he proclaimed the sovereign independence of the United Kingdom of Libya.

As prime minister, he established the Central Bank of Libya, created the civil service, negotiated crucial international recognition treaties, and later served as Libyan Ambassador in London and Rome. Reappointed prime minister in 1964, his administrative scrupulousness remains a benchmark in Libyan public service.