Andry Rajoelina

Andry Nirina Rajoelina's entry into public life was preceded by a significant career in the private sector, demonstrating an early aptitude for business and influence. His entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Injet in 1999, a company that leveraged the growing demand for printing and advertising services. This venture likely provided him with a deep understanding of market dynamics and public messaging.

His media ambitions took flight in 2007 with the creation of the Viva radio and television networks. This move positioned him not just as a businessman but as a significant media proprietor, granting him a powerful platform to shape public discourse and build a personal brand. It was from this foundation of media influence and business success that Rajoelina transitioned into politics.

He founded the political party 'Young Malagasies Determined,' a clear indication of his focus on a specific demographic and his ambition to effect change. His election as Mayor of Antananarivo in 2007 was a pivotal moment, placing him in charge of the nation's capital and providing him with a direct avenue to engage with citizens and articulate his political vision. This role allowed him to build a base of support and cultivate a public image as a challenger to the established political order, setting the stage for more significant national aspirations.

Rajoelina's tenure as Mayor of Antananarivo became a focal point for opposition against then-President Marc Ravalomanana, culminating in the 2009 political crisis. This period was characterized by widespread protests and political instability, leading to a significant power shift. Following the crisis, Rajoelina was appointed President of the High Transitional Authority (HTA) by a military council.

This appointment was met with international scrutiny, with many labeling it a coup d'état, which underscored the contentious nature of his rise to power. As the head of the HTA, Rajoelina assumed broad executive and legislative powers. He dissolved the existing National Assembly and Senate, transferring their functions to newly established governance structures designed to oversee the transition to a new constitutional order.

This process was complex and often fraught with challenges, including disagreements with internationally mediated efforts aimed at establishing a legitimate transitional government. The adoption of a new constitution through a national referendum in November 2010 marked the beginning of the Fourth Republic, a significant constitutional milestone during his transitional leadership. Rajoelina continued to lead the HTA until the general elections in 2013, stepping down in 2014, having navigated a highly charged and transformative period in Madagascar's political history.

After a period out of the highest office, Andry Rajoelina made a successful return to national leadership by winning the 2018 presidential election. He was inaugurated as President of Madagascar on January 19, 2019, marking his return to the executive branch. His subsequent presidency has been defined by his administration's response to a series of significant national crises.

Notably, his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Madagascar drew considerable attention, particularly due to the promotion of unproven treatments, which generated controversy and international concern. Beyond the health crisis, Rajoelina's leadership has also been tested by a severe food insecurity crisis, highlighting the persistent challenges of poverty and resource distribution in the country. Furthermore, Madagascar has faced devastating natural disasters, including Cyclone Batsirai, which caused widespread destruction and humanitarian challenges.

These events underscore the complex and often precarious environment in which Rajoelina has governed, requiring him to balance immediate crisis management with long-term development strategies. He secured another term by winning the 2023 Malagasy presidential election.

The latter part of Rajoelina's presidency was marked by significant public unrest and political upheaval. In September 2025, widespread protests erupted across Madagascar, primarily driven by persistent water and power outages. These demonstrations tragically resulted in over 20 fatalities, escalating the crisis for his administration.

In response to the growing discontent, Rajoelina dismissed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. Simultaneously, he made serious allegations, claiming without providing evidence that certain political figures were plotting to destabilize his government and even stage a coup, particularly during his address to the United Nations. The situation intensified on October 12, 2025, when Rajoelina's office announced an attempt to overthrow his government was underway, though they asserted control was maintained.

However, the political climate remained volatile. By October 13, opposition lawmakers reported that Rajoelina had fled the country, a claim he later addressed in a national broadcast, stating he left out of fear for his life but remained defiant. His subsequent attempt to dissolve the National Assembly proved to be a critical misstep, leading to his impeachment and removal from office.

The military ultimately seized power, signaling a dramatic and definitive end to his presidential tenure, underscoring the fragility of political authority in the face of sustained public opposition and institutional challenges.