1984 Widespread riots after food price increases. Gen. Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali becomes interior minister. Four Muslim fundamentalists sentenced to death. 1987 Fundamentalist leader Rachid Gannouchi arrested. Most political prisoners released.
Constitutional reforms introduce multiparty system and abolish life presidency.
Two opposition parties legalized. RCD wins all seats, Ben Ali president. Tunisia backs Iraq over invasion of Kuwait. Clampdown on fundamentalists intensifies. 1993 Multiparty agreement on electoral reform.