Madagascar Presidents

This page summarises the political history of Madagascar since its independence, a remote country with its own definition of democracy with regards to its leaders.

• 18 May 1972: Philibert Tsiranana (Madagascar's 1st president) gives full powers to General Ramanantsoa.

• 5 February 1975: General Gabriel Ramanantsoa gives full powers to Richard Ratsimandrava, who combines the functions of President of the Republic, Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense and Planning.

• Night of 11 to 12 February 1975: After the assassination of Ratsimandrava, an executive military led by General Gilles Andriamahazo took power.

• 15 June 1975: the Military Executive Board elects Didier Ratsiraka as head of the state.

• 31 October 1991: Ratsiraka loses most of its powers to the Prime Minister of transition, Guy Willy Razanamasy.

• 22 February 2002: Marc Ravalomanana self-proclaimed President of the Republic.

• 17 March 2009: Marc Ravalomanana gives full powers to an Executive Military.

• 17 March 2009 (again): The Military Directory transfers the full powers to Andry Rajoelina.