Madagascar’s president unveils new cabinet with old and fresh faces

The new cabinet, including nine women, consists of people who had already been part of the government and others making their debut.

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FILE PHOTO: Michael Randrianirina seized power in October 2025 in the wake of youth-led protests / Reuters

Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina named a 30-member Cabinet on Wednesday, replacing the previous administration sacked along with Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo.

The new cabinet unveiled at the Lavoloha Palace, located south of the capital Antananarivo, consists of 17 people who had already been part of the government and 13 others making their debut.

It includes nine women, joining Mamitiana Rajaonarison, a longtime anti-corruption official and gendarmerie officer who served as the director general of the Financial Intelligence Unit, who was appointed prime minister earlier this month.

The dissolution of the previous government and subsequent appointment of a new one marks Randrianirina's first major Cabinet reshuffle after assuming control of the island nation after protests that forced out his predecessor Andry Rajoelina last October.

Randrianirina has pledged to hold elections next year under a transitional framework known as the "Refoundation of the Republic."