TUNIS, May 10 (Reuters) - Tunisia's army will be deployed to protect facilities linked to phosphate, gas and oil production, President Beji Caid Essebsi said on Wednesday, citing a deterioration in the country's political climate as a reason for the measure.

The deployment, effective immediately, will be the first of its kind in the country, which has been transitioning to democracy since a revolution in 2011.

"It is a serious decision, but it must be applied to protect our resources," Essebsi said in a speech to the nation.

(Reporting By Tarek Amara; editing by John Stonestreet) ((tarek.amara@thomsonreuters.com;))