Political situation in Madagascar

Madagascar president dissolves parliament

Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina dissolves parliament and dismisses Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, writes Africa News.

Randrianirina himself appointed the government in connection with the takeover of power five months ago. According to the newspaper, no reason for the decision is given.

The military officer took over the government last year, after the former president left the country during widespread student-led protests against the government.

Critics have described him as a coup plotter, something that Randrianirina himself has dismissed. He has previously promised that presidential elections will be held no later than 2027.

Protest movement demands may be behind the government's fall

President Michael Randrianirina's decision to dissolve the parliament in Madagascar may be linked to demands from the youth-led protest movement that forced the country's former president from power last autumn. Several Malagasy local newspapers report this.

In a statement released on Saturday, the protest movement demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo within 72 hours, according to L’Express de Madagascar.

The president did not give an explanation for the decision on Tuesday.

Madagascar Tribune writes that many young people have expressed an increasingly strong frustration with the government after the change of power last fall, as promised economic and democratic reforms have not been implemented.

The change of power in Madagascar — it’s about the matter

• Extensive protests against the lack of electricity and water supply in Madagascar began on September 25, 2025 and led to demands for the president’s resignation.
• At least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured during the protests, where parts of the military also joined the demonstrators.
• President Andry Rajoelina fled the country in mid-October 2025 after losing control of the army and dissolving parliament from an unknown location..
• The elite military unit Capsat took power and Commander Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president on 17 October 2025.
• The UN condemned the military coup as unconstitutional, and Randrianirina has promised to hold presidential elections by 2027.