Madagascar’s newly sworn-in president, Michaël Randrianirina, has moved quickly to name Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister, signaling an ambitious push to restore political stability and revive the economy after months of public unrest and declining confidence in government institutions.
The appointment, announced by presidential decree on Monday, comes less than a week after Randrianirina took the oath of office before the High Constitutional Court on October 17. The move is widely seen as the first major step in implementing his pledge to rebuild what he calls the “refoundation of the Republic.”
Rajaonarivelo, a seasoned economist and former head of BNI Madagascar, is known for his expertise in financial reform and governance. His selection reflects Randrianirina’s strategy to prioritize economic recovery and institutional renewal through a technocratic leadership style.
The new administration inherits deep challenges following the turbulent exit of former president Andry Rajoelina, whose government faced widespread protests fueled by power outages, water shortages, and allegations of mismanagement.
Observers say the success of Randrianirina’s government will depend on how swiftly it can restore basic services, tackle corruption, and deliver visible results. The president, during a recent visit to an electricity facility in Ambohimanambola, acknowledged the scale of the task, admitting that “some problems can be solved quickly, but others will take more time.”
With expectations running high, the new leadership faces a critical test: translating promises of reform into tangible progress for Madagascar’s 30 million citizens.
