ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – The President of Madagascar has unexpectedly dismissed the country’s prime minister and all government ministers, in a move that adds another layer to the island’s political transition after last year’s power change.
Officials stated that president Michael Randrianirina relieved Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and the rest of his cabinet of their positions on March 9. This was confirmed by the presidency in a statement released in the country’s capital Antananarivo.
‘The government has ceased its functions,’ stated spokesman Harry Laurent Rahajason. He added that a new prime minister would be nominated according to constitutional procedures, and no reason was given for the unexpected action.
Rajaonarivelo, a businessman and economist, had been prime minister since October 2025 after his appointment by Randrianirina after political instability.
President Randrianirina himself took office in October 2025 after days of youth-led riots and political unrest which led to the expulsion of former president Andry Rajoelina from the country. The army then appointed Randrianirina as leader of a transitional administration whose mission was to reform the government.
The government dissolved last night was created during this period of transition and had about thirty ministers appointed to help run the country after the period of unrest and crisis.
It is felt by political commentators that this action marks a more radical change in Madagascar’s administration, as the country continues to try and set itself up again.
This year president Randrianirina had declared that elections could be held in 2027. He told journalists this would be part of the ‘refounding’ of the republic after the crisis.
It is expected that senior ministers will run the government departments on a day-to-day basis until the new prime minister and cabinet have been appointed.
