Difference between revisions of "Andry Rajoelina"

Revision as of 20:32, 14 October 2012

Andry Rajoelina in 2008 while Mayor of Antananarivo

As of 18 March 2009, Andry Rajoelina became president of Madagascar following a popular revolution partly supported by the military.

From 1994 until 2000 Andre Rajoelina was an organiser of live events and previous to that he was a disc jockey. He owns the TV and radio station VIVA and is head of TGV - Tanora malaGasy Vonona (Determined Malagasy Youth).

In 2007, Rajoelina was appointed Mayor of Antananarivo by Marc Ravalomanana, but in December 2008, the Government closed his broadcasting station following an interview with Ravalomanana's once political rival and former head of state Didier Ratsiraka.

On 31 January 2009, violent protests close to the palace resulted in the National Guard firing upon and killing several demonstrators. Rajoelina thereafter declared himself in charge of Madagascar and requested for President Ravalomanana to resign from his position. Rajoelina was subsequently sacked from his post as Mayor of the capital. As a result of the killings, the military no longer fully supported Ravalomanana. On the 18 March, Ravalomanana was ousted by public protests and the presidential palace was stormed by the military. The next day he handed over his powers to the military, who in turn handed over control to Mr Rajoelina.

At 34 years Rajoelina became the youngest president in Madagascar's history. The previous constitution had set the limit for presidents to minimum 40 years. Nevertheless, Rajoelina took the post and has wowed to fight corruption, change the constitution, and introduce democratic elections by October 2010.

Additional information

• Madagascar Presidents
• Government closes TV station owned by political rival
• Antananarivo city archives