The decade in power of Cavaco Silva was mostly marked by robust economic growth and socio-economic development which allowed for the modernization of the economy and an unprecedented convergence of the Portuguese GDP per capita and standards of living with the average of Western Europe. Led by Cavaco Silva, PSD achieved its first absolute majority in the 1987 election and a second one in 1991. Cavaco Silva's third term in office (1991–95) was not as successful: from 1992 to 1995 Portugal endured an economic crisis (owing to the effects of the cambial crisis of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism). The third government of Cavaco Silva was also marked by highly controversial measures such as a significant hike in university tuition fees (which led to major student protests), the 50% increase in the toll fees of 25 de Abril Bridge (which led to one of the biggest demonstrations since "25 de Abril" revolution, the blockade of the Bridge on 24 June 1994) and the continuation of construction of the controversial Foz Côa Dam. Economic growth resumed in 1995, but the relationship of Portuguese people with Cavaco Silva was not the same that had given him an absolute majority four years before.