Colonel-President Michaël Randrianirina of Madagascar, in Antananarivo, on October 17, 2025. RIJASOLO / AFP
Two weeks after the fall of Madagascar's former president, Andry Rajoelina, the transitional government, which is tasked with organizing elections no later than two years from now, is taking shape under the watchful eyes of Generation Z (Gen Z). On October 17, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina was sworn in as president and unveiled the new government on Tuesday, October 28, appointing Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister.
Following the lukewarm reception to the October 20 announcement of this appointment, due to the ties between this prime minister, who comes from the private sector, and the oligarchs of the former regime, the public was waiting for a clear signal of the promised break from the past. Would the appointment of Fanirisoa Ernaivo as minister of justice ease doubts?
The return of this former judge, who is admired for her courage as well as criticized for her excesses, holds significant symbolic importance. A political exile in France, Ernaivo is so despised by Rajoelina that he repeatedly requested her extradition from Paris. She guarantees that, beyond the new strongman's promises, fighting corruption and embezzlement of public funds will be a central government priority.
