In his first term as president, Ratsiraka nationalized Madagascar’s banks, insurance companies and mineral resources, following a socialist model that was wrought with censorship and government repression.
Even though the regime had made concessions to adopt the free market reforms outlined by the IMF, poverty and repression drew fast growing voices of opposition.
[2] In March 1990, a coalition of trade unions and opposition groups known as Forces Vives under the leadership of Albert Zafy organized strikes in Antananarivo.
[4] The demonstrations continued for more than a year before reaching their peak in early summer 1991 with daily protests demanding Ratsiraka step down.
[5] In August, Forces Vives called a general strike against the newly-appointed government under Prime Minister Guy Razanamasy on account of Ratsiraka's refusal to include opposition leaders.