Madagascar unveils new government, with opposition figures given key posts

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar/ISTANBUL

Madagascar on Tuesday presented a new government after a military takeover, with three prominent opponents of former President Andry Rajoelina's regime appointed to key ministerial posts.

The official presentation ceremony, postponed twice, introduced a 29-member Cabinet, including 10 women, one minister of state and one deputy minister, at the Iavoloha State Palace in the capital Antananarivo.

The new government’s priorities include fighting impunity, enforcing budgetary austerity, and creating a stable business climate, interim President Michael Randrianirina said at the ceremony.

“Each minister must have concrete results within two months. The absence of results within this period is a sign of failure and could lead to an immediate replacement,” the military leader warned.

Most members of the new government are little-known figures, but three prominent opponents of the former regime have been appointed to key posts.

Christine Razanamahasoa, former justice minister and former National Assembly president, was named foreign minister after joining the opposition following pre-election tensions before the 2024 presidential vote.

Fanirisoa Erinaivo, a former magistrate who returned from exile in France last week, became justice minister.

Hanitra Razafimanantsoa, a lawmaker from former President Marc Ravalomanana's Tiako i Madagasikara party, was appointed state minister in charge of the "refoundation."

Madagascar’s political crisis began on Sept. 25, when youth-led protests over severe water and electricity shortages and allegations of corruption escalated into demands for ousted President Rajoelina’s resignation.

After weeks of unrest, Rajoelina was said to be evacuated to France on a military plane following an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron.

On Oct. 14, Col. Randrianirina, leading an elite military unit, entered the presidential palace in Antananarivo and declared a takeover.

He was sworn in as interim president on Oct. 17, pledging to oversee a transition of no more than two years, during which the government will organize a national consultation and a constitutional referendum in preparation for new a presidential election.