- A number of world leaders continue to rule well into their later years, demonstrating extraordinary longevity in holding power
- Paul Biya of Cameroon has held power for more than four decades, making him one of the longest-serving presidents globally
- TheRadar compiled other oldest world leaders who are still in power below:
Several world leaders remain in power well into their advanced years. Among them are Paul Biya of Cameroon, who has led his country for more than four decades, and Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, whose tenure as president stretches back to 2005.
These leaders not only hold influential positions but also stand as some of the oldest serving heads of state globally.
TheRadar compiled seven of the oldest serving world leaders below:
7 oldest serving world leaders
1. Paul Biya, 91, Cameroon
Paul Biya, born on February 13, 1933, served as the President of Cameroon from 1982, marking over four decades in office. At 91, he remains one of the world’s oldest and longest-serving heads of state.
2. Mahmoud Abbas, 89, Palestine
Mahmoud Abbas, born on November 15, 1935, has been the President of the Palestinian Authority since 2005. With a political career dating back to the 1950s, Abbas stands as one of the oldest current presidents in the world.
3. King Salman, 88, Saudi Arabia
Born on December 31, 1935, in Riyadh, King Salman ascended to the throne of Saudi Arabia in 2015. He is the son of the country’s founder, King Abdulaziz, and has been deeply involved in government since 1954, first as deputy governor of Riyadh.
4. King Harald V, 87, Norway
King Harald V of Norway, born on February 21, 1937, became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. Over his long reign, he has been a central figure in Norwegian public life, regularly engaging with political leaders and participating in national events.
5. Michael Higgins, 83, Ireland
Michael D. Higgins, born on April 18, 1941, became Ireland’s ninth president in 2011 and was re-elected for a second term in 2018. Known for his advocacy for human rights, Higgins has been an influential figure in both Irish politics and culture.
6. Narendra Modi, 74, India
Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, has served as Prime Minister of India since 2014. Before his tenure as Prime Minister, Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. In April 2024, he was re-elected for a third term, cementing his dominance in Indian politics.
7. Prabowo Subianto, 73, Indonesia
Prabowo Subianto, born on October 17, 1951, took office as Indonesia’s eighth president on October 20, 2024, after having run unsuccessfully for the presidency in 2014 and 2019. Before becoming president, he served as the country’s Minister of Defense from 2019 to 2024.
From Museveni to Kagame: 7 African leaders elected under age 50
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that 2024 brought a fresh wave of young leadership with Senegal's election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye at 44.
TheRadar compiled other notable young African leaders who were elected under the age of 50.