Didier Ratsiraka facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Didier Ratsiraka
3rd President of Madagascar
In office 9 February 1997 – 5 July 2002
Prime Minister	Norbert Ratsirahonana Pascal Rakotomavo Tantely Andrianarivo
Preceded by	Albert Zafy
Succeeded by	Marc Ravalomanana
In office 15 June 1975 – 27 March 1993
Prime Minister	Joël Rakotomalala Justin Rakotoniaina Désiré Rakotoarijaona Victor Ramahatra Guy Razanamasy
Preceded by	Gilles Andriamahazo
Succeeded by	Albert Zafy
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar
In office 1972–1975
President	Gabriel Ramanantsoa
Preceded by	Jacques Rabemananjara
Succeeded by	Albert Zakariasy
Personal details
Born	(1936-11-04)4 November 1936 Vatomandry, French Madagascar
Died	28 March 2021(2021-03-28) (aged 84) Antananarivo, Madagascar
Political party	Malagasy Revolutionary Party
Spouse	Céline Velonjara (m.1964–2021; his death)
Children	4
Relatives	Roland Ratsiraka (nephew)

Didier Ignace Ratsiraka (born November 4, 1936 – died March 28, 2021) was a Malagasy politician and a naval officer. He served as the President of Madagascar for two separate periods: first from 1975 to 1993, and then again from 1997 to 2002. At the time of his death, he had been the longest-serving President in Madagascar's history.

He was first chosen as president by military leaders in 1975. He was then re-elected by the people in 1982 and 1989. After losing an election in 1992 to Albert Zafy, Ratsiraka made a comeback and won the 1997 election. Following the 2001 election, he and his opponent, Marc Ravalomanana, had a long disagreement. Ratsiraka eventually stepped down from power.

Early Life and Education

Didier Ratsiraka was born in a town called Vatomandry, in French Madagascar, on November 4, 1936. His father, Albert Ratsiraka, was a local official in the French colonial government.

Ratsiraka went to a well-known public school in Paris, France, called Lycée Henri-IV. After that, he studied at École navale, which is the French naval academy. He graduated in 1962 as a naval officer. He then returned to Madagascar and began his career in the navy.

In 1964, Ratsiraka married Céline Velonjara. They had four children together: Olga, Sophie, Annick, and Xavier.

Becoming a Leader

Ratsiraka first worked as a military representative at Madagascar's Embassy in Paris. Later, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Madagascar from 1972 to 1975. In this role, he helped change important agreements between France and Madagascar. He also oversaw Madagascar's decision to leave the CFA franc currency zone in 1972.

Because of his background, he was often called the "Red Admiral." On June 15, 1975, military leaders chose him to be the head of state. He was also known by the nickname "Deba," which means "the Big Man" in the Malagasy language.

Ratsiraka began to set up a new political system in Madagascar. This system was approved by voters in a special vote held on December 21, 1975. This vote also made him President for a seven-year term. His political party, AREMA, was formed in 1976.

Challenges and Changes

After a few years, Madagascar faced economic problems. Because of this, Ratsiraka changed some of his policies and followed advice from international organizations. He was re-elected as President in 1982 and again in 1989.

In 1991, Ratsiraka faced strong opposition from many people. Large protests took place, and some people lost their lives. On October 31, he signed an agreement that reduced much of his power, although he remained President. A new leader, Albert Zafy, took charge of a new government body.

Elections and Second Term

Ratsiraka ran in the presidential election in November 1992. He came in second place in the first round. In the second round, held in February 1993, he lost to Albert Zafy and left office in March.

After living in France for a while, Ratsiraka made a political comeback. He won the presidential election in late 1996 as the candidate for the AREMA party. He won the second round of voting against Zafy and became president again on February 9, 1997.

In February 1998, some members of the opposition tried to remove Ratsiraka from office. They said he was changing the constitution to gain more power. However, their attempt did not succeed.

Later, on March 15, 1998, a new constitutional change was approved by voters. This change gave the president more power, allowing him to appoint the prime minister and government without needing the agreement of the National Assembly. It also gave more power to the different provinces of Madagascar.

The 2001 Election Dispute

On June 26, 2001, Ratsiraka announced he would run for president again in the December election. In this election, he came in second place. According to official results, Marc Ravalomanana won the most votes, but not enough for an outright victory. This meant a second round of voting was supposed to happen.

However, there was a big disagreement over the election results. Ravalomanana claimed he had won enough votes to become president in the first round. This led to a major political disagreement in the country. Ravalomanana was sworn in as president by his supporters in February 2002, and the two sides struggled for control.

Ratsiraka mostly controlled the provinces, while Ravalomanana controlled the capital city. After a few months, Ravalomanana gained more control. In July, Ratsiraka left Madagascar and went to France.

Life After Presidency

After leaving Madagascar, Ratsiraka lived in France. In August 2009, he met with other Malagasy leaders, including Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana, to discuss the political situation in Madagascar. During these talks, an agreement was reached that allowed him to return to Madagascar.

Ratsiraka's nephew, Roland Ratsiraka, is also a politician. He became the mayor of Toamasina and ran for president in 2006, coming in third place.

Return and Passing

Didier Ratsiraka returned to Madagascar on November 24, 2011. His return was welcomed by the government and other former presidents. Ratsiraka called for talks among all political leaders to help resolve the country's political issues.

He also co-wrote a book with Cécile Lavrard-Meyer, which was published in July 2015.

On March 22, 2021, Ratsiraka and his wife, Celine, were admitted to a hospital in Antananarivo for treatment. Ratsiraka passed away from a heart problem on March 28, 2021, at the age of 84.

He was buried in the Ambohitsaina Mausoleum in Antananarivo on March 29, 2021. President Andry Rajoelina declared that day a national day of mourning to honor him.

See also

• Elysé Ratsiraka