Antananarivo, Madagascar – Interim President Colonel Michael Randrianirina appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as Madagascar’s new prime minister on Monday at the Iavoloha State Palace following last week’s political upheaval.
Rajaonarivelo succeeds Zafisambo Ruphin Fortunat, who was appointed by former President Andry Rajoelina on October 6 after the previous government was dissolved on September 29.
Randrianirina said the National Assembly proposed Rajaonarivelo for the role due to his expertise, experience, and connections with international organizations. Rajaonarivelo, relatively unknown in politics, has held top positions in the private sector, including chairman of BNI Madagascar Bank, and served as an international consultant for the World Bank, European Union, Southern African Development Community, and other regional bodies. He also led the Malagasy Employers’ Association and oversaw development projects with international support.
Randrianirina assumed the presidency on Friday after weeks of youth-led protests demanding Rajoelina step down over water and electricity shortages and corruption allegations. The demonstrations began on September 25 and intensified until an elite military unit led by Randrianirina entered the presidential palace last Tuesday, declaring they had taken control.
Rajoelina reportedly left for France on a military plane after reaching a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron. Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has instructed Randrianirina to hold presidential elections within 60 days, citing constitutional requirements that elections follow a vacancy in office.
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