In his first media appearance since assuming power, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the process to reestablish the Republic of Madagascar, delivered a televised address on Sunday evening, November 16, roughly a month after taking the oath of office on October 17.
The broadcast was recorded at the Presidential Palace as part of a program designed as a “conversation with the public,” attended by journalists and representatives from various segments of society. The session included a brief overview of the weeks of unrest leading up to the recent political change: citizens’ hardships, the role of Malagasy youth known as “Generation Z,” and the military intervention that ended former President Andry Rajoelina’s rule.
During his address, Randrianirina emphasized that the transfer of power was not the result of a “coup,” stressing that it occurred without violence and with institutional approval. He also rejected accusations of using the judiciary to target figures from the previous administration, explaining that ongoing investigations “follow an established legal process,” and affirmed his commitment to prosecuting those involved in “plundering the country’s resources.”
The new president announced the launch of a comprehensive national consultation, starting from local levels up to the central government, aimed at formulating the foundations of a new governance system. He indicated that the reestablishment process will later include a public referendum to assess the proposed system, followed by a presidential election within two years.
He also highlighted his intention to establish a “Youth Assembly” and to strengthen national identity by reintroducing Malagasy language and history into the educational curriculum.
When asked about his potential candidacy for the presidency in the future, Randrianirina said the decision is “up to the people,” adding: “If citizens feel I have performed my duties properly, they will ask me to run; if they feel otherwise, no one will ask me to do so.”
He concluded his message by urging citizens to be patient and engage in the political process, emphasizing that rebuilding the state “cannot be achieved in two months,” and that the success of the next phase requires “joint efforts from all the people of Madagascar.”