"President of Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina, appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison, the former head of the country's anti-corruption agency, as prime minister following the dismissal of the entire government last week. "Show the Malagasy people that this country needs honest individuals - people who cannot be influenced or bought," Randrianirina said on Sunday in Antananarivo. The president recalled Rajoanarison's resignation from the military during a previous transitional period after refusing 'pressure' from his superiors. "If you had remained in the military, you would not be in this position today. This is one of the reasons I selected you. Madagascar needs strong decisions," he continued. Randrianirina also instructed the new prime minister to form a government as quickly as possible, with a focus on implementing state reform policies and delivering tangible results that citizens can quickly feel. "If no one stands up to change the usual way of doing things, Madagascar will never change," he concluded. "If something I do is not right, speak up, Mr Prime Minister. Do not simply follow the current." It follows President Randrianirina's decision in March 2026 to dissolve the first transitional government. In a move aimed at fast-tracking public service reforms -specifically within the water and electricity sectors- and tackling the rising cost of living in response to citizen demands. Former colonel Randrianirina took office on October 14, 2025, after a period of civil unrest and a military intervention that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country. Since taking power, Randrianirina aimed to deepen ties with Russia, including expanded cooperation in security and resource management."