Antananarivo: Madagascar's interim President Col. Michael Randrianirina appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo the nation's prime minister on Monday during an official ceremony at the Iavoloha State Palace. Randrianirina said Rajaonarivelo's appointment was made following a proposal from members of the National Assembly.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rajaonarivelo was chosen for his skills, experience, and relationships with international organizations. He succeeds Zafisambo Ruphin Fortunat, who was appointed by former President Andry Rajoelina on Oct. 6, after the government was dissolved on Sept. 29. Although a relatively unknown figure in the political scene, Rajaonarivelo has held several high-level positions in the private sector, including serving as the former chairman of the board of directors of BNI Madagascar Bank.

Rajaonarivelo holds a master's degree in industrial economics and business economics and has worked as an international consultant for organizations such as the World Bank, the EU, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community, and the Indian Ocean Commission. He also led the Malagasy Employers' Association and contributed to the development of projects supported by international partners for the Malagasy government.

The appointment follows President Randrianirina's recent swearing-in, which came after weeks of anti-government protests against ousted President Rajoelina. These youth-led protests, which began on Sept. 25, were fueled by severe water and electricity shortages and allegations of corruption, ultimately leading to calls for Rajoelina's resignation.

Reports suggest that Rajoelina was evacuated to France on a military plane after reaching a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron. Last Tuesday, an elite military unit led by Randrianirina took control of the presidential palace in Antananarivo, declaring that they had assumed power. The country's High Constitutional Court has since called on Randrianirina to hold elections within 60 days, in accordance with the Constitution, which mandates a presidential election within 30 to 60 days after the office is declared vacant.