Antananarivo: Madagascar on Tuesday unveiled a new government following a military takeover, appointing three prominent opponents of former President Andry Rajoelina to key ministerial positions. The official presentation ceremony, which had been postponed twice, introduced a 29-member Cabinet, including 10 women, at the Iavoloha State Palace in the capital Antananarivo.
According to Anadolu Agency, the new government’s priorities include combating impunity, enforcing budgetary austerity, and fostering a stable business climate, as stated by interim President Michael Randrianirina during the ceremony. He emphasized the need for tangible results from each minister within two months, warning that a failure to deliver could result in immediate replacement.
Among the newly appointed are Christine Razanamahasoa, former justice minister and former National Assembly president, who takes on the role of foreign minister after aligning with the opposition amid pre-election tensions ahead of the 2024 presidential vote. Fanirisoa Erinaivo, a former magistrate who recently returned from exile in France, has been named justice minister. Hanitra Razafimanantsoa, a lawmaker from former President Marc Ravalomanana’s Tiako i Madagasikara party, has been appointed state minister in charge of the “refoundation.”
Madagascar’s political turmoil began on September 25, with youth-led protests over severe water and electricity shortages and allegations of corruption escalating into calls for President Rajoelina’s resignation. Following weeks of unrest, Rajoelina was reportedly evacuated to France on a military plane after an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron.
On October 14, Colonel Randrianirina, leading an elite military unit, took control of the presidential palace in Antananarivo and declared a takeover. He was sworn in as interim president on October 17, committing to a transition period of no more than two years. During this time, the government plans to organize a national consultation and conduct a constitutional referendum in preparation for a new presidential election.