Political party formed in 1907 by French-educated Tunisian intellectuals to oppose French rule.
They demanded complete control of the country's government and administration and full citizenship rights for both Tunisians and Frenchmen. They protested the Italian invasion of Libya (1911) and rioted against French actions at home. The French exiled its leaders, driving the party underground until 1920, when it reemerged and reorganized itself as the Destour Party, which remained active until 1957. See also Habib Bourguiba .