Madagascar’s Randrianirina Appoints Anti-Corruption Chief as Prime Minister

Madagascar’s Transitional President, Michael Randrianirina, has appointed anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister after dissolving the entire cabinet and dismissing the country’s previous premier.

Randrianirina announced the appointment in a televised address on Sunday, saying the former senior gendarmerie officer and career civil administrator would lead the formation of a new government.

The transitional leader, who seized power last October and has pledged major reforms, said Rajaonarison would guide the administration “on a clean path” and help restore public confidence in state institutions.

“The Malagasy nation needs bold decisions. We are now at a turning point,” Randrianirina said during a ceremony at the presidential palace broadcast on state television. “This country needs a person of integrity, a person of principle, incorruptible and who cannot be bought with money,” he added.

Randrianirina said integrity would be the guiding principle expected from the new prime minister as he takes office.

The president did not provide specific reasons for the dismissal earlier this week of former Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and the rest of the cabinet.

Randrianirina has been leading what he describes as a national “Refoundation” agenda since assuming power during a political transition that resulted in the removal of the previous government.

The initiative has been presented as an effort to restore state authority, strengthen the fight against corruption and rebuild public trust in government institutions.

There was no immediate public reaction from Rajaonarison following his appointment.