• President Michael Randrianirina appointed Rajaonarison Mamitiana Jeannot Ruffin as Prime Minister on March 16.
• Ruffin becomes the second prime minister since the October 2025 सत्ता transition following a coup.
• Authorities tasked the new government with accelerating reforms and delivering concrete socio-economic results.

President Michael Randrianirina officially appointed Rajaonarison Mamitiana Jeannot Ruffin as Prime Minister and head of government. The presidency announced the appointment in a statement published on Monday, March 16.

Therefore, Ruffin becomes the second prime minister since President Randrianirina took power. At the same time, the president instructed the new executive to continue and accelerate the implementation of the government’s general policy. He said the government must deliver concrete responses to public expectations.

A Profile From Administration and Armed Forces

Authorities assigned the new government key priorities, including managing economic and social challenges and improving living conditions nationwide. President Randrianirina said, “It is up to you and your government to implement government policy. The Malagasy people and I demand rapid and precise results.” He justified the appointment by citing the “honesty and bravery” of the new prime minister.

Before his appointment, Ruffin served as director general of the financial intelligence service. He graduated from the École nationale d'administration and joined the civil administrators’ corps. He also built an earlier career within the armed forces. He studied at the Sekoly Miaramilam-Pirenena and later attended the Académie militaire d’Antsirabe as part of the 23rd class, alongside the president.

The appointment follows recent political changes in Madagascar. Authorities dismissed former Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and the entire government one week earlier.

Officials had appointed Rajaonarivelo in October 2025, shortly after President Randrianirina took power. President Randrianirina emerged as a central figure in the October 14, 2025 coup that overthrew former president Andry Rajoelina.

Charlène N'Dimon