Andry Rajoelina
Quick facts for kids
Andry Rajoelina
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Rajoelina in 2024
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| 8th President of Madagascar | |
| In office 16 December 2023 – 14 October 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Christian Ntsay Ruphin Zafisambo |
| Preceded by | Richard Ravalomanana (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Michael Randrianirina (interim) |
| In office 19 January 2019 – 9 September 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Christian Ntsay |
| Preceded by | Rivo Rakotovao (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Christian Ntsay (acting) |
| In office 17 March 2009 – 25 January 2014 as President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar |
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| Prime Minister |
See list
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| Preceded by | Hyppolite Ramaroson (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Hery Rajaonarimampianina |
| 51st Mayor of Antananarivo | |
| In office 12 December 2007 – 3 February 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Hery Rafalimanana |
| Succeeded by | Guy Randrianarisoa (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Andry Nirina Rajoelina
30 May 1974 Antsirabe, Madagascar |
| Nationality | Malagasy French (since 2014) |
| Political party | Young Malagasies Determined |
| Spouse |
Mialy Razakandisa
(m. 2000) |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Undisclosed |
Andry Nirina Rajoelina (born 30 May 1974) is a Malagasy politician and businessman. He served as the President of Madagascar from 2019 until yesterday, 14 October 2025. Before that, he led a temporary government from 2009 to 2014. He was also the Mayor of Antananarivo, the capital city, for one year. Before entering politics, Rajoelina worked in business, owning a printing and advertising company and later radio and television stations.
He started a political party called Young Malagasies Determined. In 2007, he was elected Mayor of Antananarivo. During his time as mayor, he became a leader of an opposition movement. This led to a major political change in 2009. Rajoelina then became the President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar (HTA). This was a temporary government. He dissolved the Senate and National Assembly, creating new groups to guide the country to a new constitution. Voters approved a new constitution in 2010, which started the Fourth Republic.
He remained President of the HTA until new elections were held in 2013, stepping down in 2014. He won the 2018 presidential election and became President of Madagascar on 19 January 2019. His time as president included dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in Madagascar, a food shortage in 2021, and Cyclone Batsirai. Rajoelina won the 2023 Malagasy presidential election for a second term.
On 14 October 2025, after widespread protests about water and power cuts, Rajoelina was removed from office. The military announced they had taken control.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Andry Rajoelina was born on 30 May 1974 in Antsirabe, Madagascar. His family was quite well-off. His father, Roger Yves Rajoelina, was a retired Colonel. Even though his family could pay for college, Andry decided to stop his studies after high school. He wanted to start a career as a DJ.
In 1994, Rajoelina met Mialy Razakandisa, who would become his wife. They married in 2000 and have three children.
Business Ventures and Media Career
Starting in Event Production
At 19, in 1993, Rajoelina started his first business. It was a small company called Show Business that organized events. The next year, he created an annual concert called Live. This event brought together both local and international music artists. On its tenth anniversary, 50,000 people attended the concert.
Expanding into Advertising
In 1999, he launched Injet, a company that offered the first digital printing technology in Madagascar. This business quickly grew by putting up many billboard advertisements in the capital city. After marrying in 2000, Andry and Mialy Rajoelina bought Domapub. This was another advertising business owned by Mialy's family. The couple worked together, with Andry managing Injet and Mialy taking care of Domapub.
Owning Radio and TV Stations
In May 2007, Andry Rajoelina bought the Ravinala television and radio stations. He then changed their names to Viva TV and Viva FM.
Serving as Mayor of Antananarivo (2007–2009)
Election as Mayor
In 2007, Rajoelina formed a political group called Tanora malaGasy Vonona (TGV). This means "determined Malagasy youth." Soon after, he announced he would run for Mayor of Antananarivo. His young age helped him become popular. Many people saw him as a symbol of new political ideas. Rajoelina won the election on 12 December 2007 with 63.3% of the votes. He defeated the previous mayor, Hery Rafalimanana.
Political Disagreements with President Ravalomanana
Rajoelina had disagreements with the then-President Marc Ravalomanana as early as 2003. These conflicts grew over time. In late 2008, the government faced criticism over a land deal and the purchase of a new presidential jet. These issues caused international organizations like the World Bank to pause financial support. Rajoelina used these concerns to gather support against President Ravalomanana's government.
The city of Antananarivo also faced problems with water and electricity cuts due to unpaid bills. After an investigation, these issues were resolved.
On 13 December 2008, the government closed Rajoelina's Viva TV. They said an interview broadcast on the channel could cause unrest. Rajoelina then met with other opposition leaders. They asked the government to follow democratic rules better. Rajoelina also promised to create a public space for open discussion, which he called Place de la Démocratie ("Democracy Plaza").
In January 2009, Andry Rajoelina led many political gatherings in Antananarivo. He demanded that Viva TV be reopened. On 17 January, he gathered 30,000 supporters at a park, which he renamed Place de la Démocratie. At a rally on 31 January 2009, Rajoelina announced he would take charge of the country's affairs. He said the president and government were not doing their jobs.
Removal from Mayoral Office
On 3 February, the government removed Rajoelina from his position as mayor. They appointed a temporary leader, Guy Randrianarisoa, to manage the capital. Andry Rajoelina disagreed with this decision.
Leading the Transitional Government (2009–2014)
Change in Leadership
On 7 February, Andry Rajoelina held another rally. His supporters declared a new temporary government, the High Transitional Authority, with Rajoelina as its president. The crowd then marched towards the Presidential palace. During this event, there was a confrontation, and many people were injured. This event caused the military to withdraw its support from the President.
On 16 March, President Ravalomanana stepped down and transferred power to a military committee. Two days later, the military transferred power directly to Rajoelina. He became the president of the High Transitional Authority (HAT). Madagascar's highest court confirmed this transfer of power.
Rajoelina was sworn in as President on 21 March 2009. He was 35 years old, making him one of the youngest heads of government in the world at that time.
Working Towards a New Political System
Many international groups, like the SADC and the African Union, did not immediately recognize the new government. They called for a return to a constitutional government. The United States also did not recognize Rajoelina's administration and paused aid.
In August 2009, the former presidents of Madagascar, including Rajoelina, signed an agreement called the Maputo Accords. These accords set out rules for a peaceful political transition.
In November 2010, a new constitution was approved by voters. This constitution lowered the minimum age for presidential candidates to 35. This made Rajoelina, who was 36, eligible to run for president. The new constitution also stated that the leader of the High Transitional Authority would be the interim president until elections.
In 2011, Rajoelina's speech at the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly was an important step. It showed some international recognition of his temporary government. He also met with French officials.
An agreement was made in January 2013 that Rajoelina and former President Ravalomanana would not run in the next election. However, when Ravalomanana's wife announced her candidacy, Rajoelina decided to run again. This led to delays in the election. Eventually, a special court ruled that Rajoelina, Ravalomanana, and another former president could not run in the 2013 election. Andry Rajoelina then supported Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who won the election in December 2013. Andry Rajoelina officially stepped down as president on 25 January 2014.
Government Actions and Projects
Upon taking office in 2009, Rajoelina dissolved the Senate and Parliament. He transferred their powers to his cabinet and other new groups. His policies were then issued as decrees. He also strengthened the government's control over local areas.
One of Rajoelina's first actions was to cancel a land deal made by the previous president. He also rejected the previous president's development plan. He changed education reforms, returning to the traditional use of French in schools.
International sanctions and paused aid affected the national budget. Rajoelina's administration spent money to help people with basic needs. This included electricity, petrol, and food. In 2010, the reconstruction of the Antananarivo town hall was completed. It had been destroyed in protests in 1972. During this event, Rajoelina announced that 11 December would be a new holiday. The country's fourth Constitution was also put into effect.
Through the trano mora ("affordable house") program, the HAT built new housing. These homes were for young middle-class couples. Many other building projects were planned or finished. These included restoring historic staircases in Antananarivo. They also repaved a busy road and built a stadium and hospital in Toamasina.
2018 Presidential Campaign
In August 2018, Andry Rajoelina was the first to announce his candidacy for the 2018 Malagasy presidential election. He introduced his plan called the Initiative for the Emergence of Madagascar (IEM). One of his promises was to close the Senate to save money and build universities instead. He also aimed to increase access to electricity, help the country grow its own food, and improve safety.
The campaign began in October 2018. Rajoelina competed against former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajaonarimampianina. In the first round of elections on 7 November, he received 39.19% of the votes. A televised debate between the two final candidates was held on 10 December.
Rajoelina won the election on 19 December 2018 with 55.66% of the votes. He became President on 19 January 2019.
First Elected Term (2019–2023)
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Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, President Rajoelina gained international attention. He launched a local herbal tea called "Covid-Organics" as a potential treatment for COVID-19. This herbal tea was made by the Madagascar Institute of Applied Research (MIAR). It used artemisia and other local plants. The military helped distribute "Covid-Organics" to the public. Drinking the herbal tea was made a requirement in schools. Several African countries also bought the herbal tea. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that there was no scientific proof of its effectiveness.
Environmental Efforts
Rajoelina has spoken about climate change as a cause of food shortages in parts of his country. He has asked powerful nations to help fight it.
At the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, Rajoelina promised to protect Madagascar's forests from deforestation. He also announced plans to use bioethanol and gas stoves in the country. These actions aim to reduce the effects of climate change. Rajoelina also pledged more money to protect Madagascar's unique plant and animal life, which makes up 5% of the world's biodiversity.
Addressing Food Shortages
In June 2021, a severe drought hit Madagascar. This caused hundreds of thousands of people to suffer from food insecurity in the southern regions. Rajoelina announced a plan with the US ambassador to fight hunger. As part of this plan, Rajoelina ordered the distribution of butane gas stoves. These stoves were meant to replace charcoal for cooking in the poorest areas. This measure helped 15,000 households.
As of July 2025, the food insecurity among Malagasy people had not improved. It had spread and worsened, partly due to an ongoing and intense drought.
Second Elected Term (2023–2025)
Rajoelina took his oath of office on 16 December 2023 for his second term as president. This happened amid a boycott by opposition parties. They challenged the results of the 16 November election. In May 2025, Andry Rajoelina stated his intention to visit the Scattered Islands. These are French islands near Malagasy waters. He favored peaceful talks to resolve this long-standing dispute.
In September 2025, widespread protests broke out. People were protesting frequent water and power cuts. Over 20 people died during these events. In response, Rajoelina removed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay from office on 29 September 2025. He claimed, without showing proof, that some politicians were trying to use the protests to plan a political takeover. On 12 October, Rajoelina's office announced that an attempt to remove his government was happening. They stated the situation was under control. However, on 13 October, an opposition lawmaker reported that Rajoelina had left the country. Rajoelina spoke to the nation later that day. He said he fled "in fear for his life" but would not step down. He stated he "would not allow Madagascar to be destroyed." His speech was broadcast on his official Facebook page.
Yesterday, 14 October 2025, Rajoelina issued a decree dissolving the National Assembly. He did this without revealing his location. He also reaffirmed that he was still in charge of the government. Later that same day, the National Assembly rejected his decree. They voted to remove Rajoelina from office by 130 votes to one blank vote. At the same time, the military announced that they had taken power.
Honours
National Awards
Grand Cordon of the National Order of Madagascar (2019)
Grand Cross 1st Class of the National Order of Madagascar (2009)
International Awards
Guinea Bissau:
Recipient of the Medal of Amílcar Cabral (2024)
Other Recognitions
- 2000: Named Entrepreneur of the Year by Écho Australe magazine.
- 2003: Recognized as the Best Young Entrepreneur in Madagascar by French bank BNI Crédit Lyonnais.
See also
In Spanish: Andry Rajoelina para niños
