'{{good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}} {{Infobox officeholder |name = Andry imonie. Rajoelina |image = Andry Rajoelina portrait UN.jpg |office = 6th [[President of Madagascar]] |term_start = 19 January 2019 |primeminister = [[Christian Ntsay]] |predecessor = [[Rivo Rakotovao]] (acting) |office1 = [[List of Presidents of Madagascar|President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar]] |primeminister1= [[Monja Roindefo]]<br />[[Eugène Mangalaza]]<br />[[Cécile Manorohanta]] {{small|(Acting)}}<br />[[Albert Camille Vital]]<br />[[Omer Beriziky]] |term_start1 = 17 March 2009 |term_end1 = 25 January 2014 |predecessor1 = [[Marc Ravalomanana]] |successor1 = [[Hery Rajaonarimampianina]] |birth_place = [[Antsirabe]], Madagascar |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|5|30|df=y}} |death_date = |death_place = |party = [[Young Malagasies Determined]] |spouse = [[Mialy Rajoelina]] née Razakandisa (m. 2000) |religion = [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Madagascar leader Andry Rajoelina meets Pope Francis|publisher=Africa Review|url=http://www.africareview.com/news/Madagascar-leader-Andry-Rajoelina-meets-Pope-Francis/979180-1760272-1o7n81z/index.html|date=27 April 2013|accessdate=19 October 2016}}</ref> |website = [http://www.andry-rajoelina.org/ www.andry-rajoelina.org] }} '''Andry Nirina Rajoelina suck my dick''' (Malagasy: {{IPA-mg|ˈjanɖʐʲ nʲˈrin^ə radzoˈel|}}; born 30 May 1974) is a Malagasy politician, businessman and the current president of [[Madagascar]]. He started his career in the private sector, first organizing events on the Island (''Live'' concerts), and then investing the advertising business , billboards and print) and the media (''Viva'', TV and radio). He was the Mayor of Antananarivo from December 2007 to February 2009, and [[List of Presidents of Madagascar|President]] of the [[High Transitional Authority (Madagascar)|High Transitional Authority of Madagascar]] from 21 March 2009 to 25 January 2014, up until the [[Malagasy general election, 2013|general elections]] were held in 2013. After stepping down as President of the HAT, he remained head of the majority party, the MAPAR. After winning the [[Malagasy presidential election, 2018|2018 presidential election]], he was inaugurated on 19 January 2019. == Family and early years == [[File:Andry et Mialy Rajoelina, allée des Baobabs, 22 avril 2012.jpg|thumb|Andry Rajoelina and his wife Mialy in 2012.]] Andry Rajoelina was born on 30 May 1974 to a relatively wealthy family in Antsirabe.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20131016-madagascar-presidentielle-andry-rajoelina-il-dit-son-dernier-mot|title=Andry Rajoelina a-t-il dit son dernier mot? - RFI|work=RFI Afrique|access-date=2018-07-07|language=fr|author=Francis Kpatindé}}</ref> His father, now-retired Colonel Roger Yves Rajoelina, held dual nationality and fought for the French army in the [[Algerian War]].<ref name="MT">{{Cite news|url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Rajoelina-pere-conseiller-de,13076.html|title=Rajoelina père, conseiller de Sunpec|newspaper=Madagascar Tribune|date=19 November 2009|first=|last=|accessdate=16 July 2012}}</ref><ref name = Cole>{{cite book | last = Cole | first = Jennifer | title = Sex and Salvation: Imagining the Future in Madagascar | publisher = University of Chicago Press | year = 2010 | location = Chicago, IL | pages = 180–182 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=TnO3qxGouosC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | isbn = 9780226113319}}</ref> Although his family could afford a college education for their son, Andry Rajoelina opted to discontinue his studies after completing his [[baccalauréat]] to launch a career as an entrepreneur.<ref name = Cole/> In 1994, Rajoelina met his future spouse [[Mialy Rajoelina|Mialy Razakandisa]], who was then completing her senior year at a high school in Antananarivo. The couple courted long-distance for six years while Mialy completed her undergraduate and masters studies in finance and accounting in Paris; they were reunited in Madagascar in 2000 and wed the same year. Their marriage produced two boys, Arena (born 2002) and Ilonstoa (born 2005), and a daughter born in 2007 that the couple named Andrialy, a contraction of their own names.<ref name=Mialy>{{cite news |title=PORTRAIT – MIALY RAJOELINA: Une femme de ressources |newspaper=L'Express de l'Ile Maurice (La Sentinelle Limited) |date=5 January 2008 |url=http://www.lexpress.mu/services/archive-100506-une-femme-de-ressources.html |accessdate=6 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BChjXBDe?url=http://www.lexpress.mu/services/archive-100506-une-femme-de-ressources.html |archivedate=6 October 2012 |language=French |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> == Media entrepreneur == In 1993, at the age of 19, Rajoelina established his first enterprise: a small event production company called ''Show Business.'' In the following year, he organized an annual concert called ''Live'' that brought together foreign and [[Music of Madagascar|Malagasy musical artists]]. The event gathered 50,000 participants on its tenth anniversary.<ref name=repression>{{cite journal|last=Galibert |first=Didier |title=Mobilisation populaire et repression a Madagascar: les transgressions de la cite cultuelle |journal=Politique africaine |volume=113 |pages=139–151 |date=March 2009 |language=French |url=http://www.politique-africaine.com/numeros/pdf/conjonctures/113139.pdf |accessdate=21 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/69Jz99SpU?url=http://www.politique-africaine.com/numeros/pdf/conjonctures/113139.pdf |archivedate=21 July 2012 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> In 1999, he launched Injet, the first digital printing technology company available on the island, which gained quick traction with its expansion of billboard advertising throughout the capital.<ref name = repression/> Following his marriage in 2000, Andry and Mialy Rajoelina acquired Domapub, a competing Antananarivo-based billboard advertising business owned by Andry's in-laws.<ref name = intelligence>{{cite web | title = Andry Rajoelina, The billboard king turned presiden | publisher = Africa Intelligence | date = 8 January 2013 | url = https://www.africaintelligence.com/ion/insiders/madagascar/2013/01/08/andry-rajoelina-the-billboard-king-turned-president/107938742-be1 | accessdate = 13 December 2018}}</ref> The couple worked together to manage the family businesses, with Andry responsible for Injet and his wife handling the affairs of Domapub.<ref name = Mialy/> In May 2007, Andry Rajoelina purchased the ''Ravinala'' television and radio stations, and renamed them ''Viva TV'' and ''Viva FM''.<ref name=repression/> == Mayor of Antananarivo == === Elections === In 2007, Rajoelina created and led the political association ''[[Young Malagasies Determined|Tanora malaGasy Vonona]]'' (TGV), meaning "determined Malagasy youth", and shortly afterward announced his candidacy to run for Mayor of Antananarivo. His very young age became a lever to gain a quick popularity throughout the nation (''jeunification'' of politics).<ref name = Cole/> Rajoelina was elected on 12 December 2007 with 63.3% of the vote on a 55% voter turnout, beating TIM party incumbent Hery Rafalimanana.<ref name = repression/><ref>{{cite news |last=Yves |first=Bernard |title=Andry Rajoelina, nouveau Maire d'Antananarivo élu avec 62% des suffrages |newspaper=Temoignages |date=17 December 2007 |url=http://www.temoignages.re/andry-rajoelina-nouveau-maire-d,26687.html |accessdate=6 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BChNomNP?url=http://www.temoignages.re/andry-rajoelina-nouveau-maire-d,26687.html |archivedate=6 October 2012 |language=French |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> === Confrontation with Ravalomanana === The first conflicts between Andry Rajoelina and president Ravalomanana date back to 2003, when the government required the removal of Antananarivo's first Trivision advertising panels, which Rajoelina had installed at a major roundabout in the capital.<ref name = intelligence/><ref name=turbo>{{cite web | last = Ramambazafy | first = Jeannot | title = Viva télévision: Andry Tgv met le turbo | publisher = Madagate | date = 12 August 2008 | url = http://www.madagate.com/monde-malgache/articles/495-viva-television-andry-tgv-met-le-turbo.html | accessdate = 1 June 2013 | language = French | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131019103726/http://www.madagate.com/monde-malgache/articles/495-viva-television-andry-tgv-met-le-turbo.html | archivedate = 19 October 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Upon taking office, the city's treasury had a debt of 8.2 billion Malagasy [[Ariary]] (approximately 4.6 million U.S. dollars).<ref>{{cite news |last=Randria |first=N. |title=Andry Rajoelina hérite de 41 milliards fmg de dettes |newspaper=Madagascar Tribune |date=22 December 2007 |url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Andry-Rajoelina-herite-de-41,3713.html |accessdate=6 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BChHeMHU?url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Andry-Rajoelina-herite-de-41,3713.html |archivedate=6 October 2012 |language=French |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> On 4 January 2008, due to unpaid debts to the [[Jirama]], the city of Antananarivo was hit by a general water cutoff, and brownouts of the city's street lights. After an audit, it was found that the Jirama owned about the same amount of money to the City Hall, and the sanction on the city's population was retrieved.<ref>{{cite news |first=N. |last=Randria |title=La CUA et les coupures d'eau et d'électricité: Antananarivo est-elle sanctionnée? |newspaper=Madagascar Tribune |date=7 January 2008 |url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Antananarivo-est-elle-sanctionnee,3929.html |accessdate=10 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/69ntgmul1?url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Antananarivo-est-elle-sanctionnee,3929.html |archivedate=10 August 2012 |language=French |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> In November and December 2008, grumbles grew bigger against the government when two scandals made international headlines: The July 2008 deal with [[Daewoo]] Logistics to lease half the island's arable land for [[South Korea]]n cultivation of corn and palm oil,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1861145,00.html|title=The Breadbasket of South Korea: Madagascar|website=Time.com|date=23 November 2008|author=Vivienne Walt|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> and the November 2008 purchase of a second presidential jet, a [[Boeing 737]], at a cost of 60 million U.S. dollars, which led the [[World Bank]] and the IMF to suspend $35 million worth of financial support to the Island.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/110/article_78082.asp|title=Les avertissements du FMI et de la communauté internationale|website=Rfi.fr|date=6 February 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> On 13 December 2008, the Government closed Andry Rajoelina's Viva TV, stating that a Viva interview with exiled former head of state [[Didier Ratsiraka]] was "likely to disturb peace and security".<ref name="rsf fer">{{cite web|url=https://rsf.org/fr/actualites/le-bras-de-fer-opposant-le-president-et-le-maire-de-la-capitale-rejaillit-sur-les-medias|title=Le bras de fer opposant le Président et le maire de la capitale rejaillit sur les médias|website=Rsf.org|date=26 January 2009|language=fr|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> Within a week Rajoelina met with twenty of Madagascar's most prominent opposition leaders, referred to in the press as the "Club of 20", to develop a joint statement demanding that the Ravalomanana administration improve its adherence to democratic principles. Rajoelina also promised to dedicate a politically open public space in the capital which he would call ''Place de la Démocratie'' ("Democracy Plaza").<ref>{{cite news|last=R.C. |title=Andry Rajoelina réunit le "Club des 20" |newspaper=Madagascar Tribune |date=17 December 2008 |url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Andry-Rajoelina-reunit-le-Club-des,10387.html |accessdate=6 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BCh6k4FY?url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Andry-Rajoelina-reunit-le-Club-des%2C10387.html |archivedate=6 October 2012 |language=French |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> [[File:Antananarivo - P1090823.jpg|thumbnail|Pro-Rajoelina protesters in Antananarivo, 2009]] Beginning in January 2009, Andry Rajoelina led a series of political rallies in downtown Antananarivo. On 13 January, he launched an ultimatum to the government to restore ''Viva TV''. A week later, the transmission failure message of ''Viva TV'' was changed by a background picture of Andry Rajoelina, which led the authorities to seize the channel's transistor manu militari.<ref name="rsf fer"/> On 17 January Andry Rajoelina gathered 30,000 supporters at a public park which he renamed ''Place de la Démocratie'' to defy the public executive power of Ravalomanana<ref name=CrossroadsMarcus>{{cite web|last1=Bachelard |first1=Jerome |last2=Marcus |first2=Richard |title=Countries at the Crossroads 2011: Madagascar |publisher=Freedom House |year=2011 |url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/inline_images/MADAGASCARfinal.pdf |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6AAqjglXX?url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/inline_images/MADAGASCARfinal.pdf |archivedate=25 August 2012 |accessdate=25 August 2012 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> At a rally on 31 January 2009, Rajoelina announced that he was in charge of the country's affairs, declaring: "Since the president and the government have not assumed their responsibilities, I therefore proclaim that I will run all national affairs as of today." He added that a request for President Ravalomanana to formally resign would shortly be filed with the [[Parliament of Madagascar]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Mayor 'takes control' in Madagascar | newspaper = Al Jazeera | date = 31 January 2009 | url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090202025539/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/01/200913117515731782.html| accessdate = 6 October 2012 }}</ref> This self-declaration of power discredited Rajoelina's democratic aims, and the number of attendees at subsequent rallies declined, averaging around 3,000 to 5,000 participants.<ref name = CrossroadsMarcus/> === Destitution === On 3 February, the Ministry of Domestic Affairs dismissed Rajoelina as mayor of Antananarivo and appointed a [[Special delegation (France)|special delegation]] headed by Guy Randrianarisoa to manage the affairs of the capital. Andry Rajoelina contested the decision.<ref>{{cite news|title=Madagascar sacks capital city mayor |newspaper=AFP |date=3 February 2009 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSsw9Mt5_TWeAwuwVr5S24GMvwIg |accessdate=6 October 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219173004/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSsw9Mt5_TWeAwuwVr5S24GMvwIg |archivedate=19 February 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref> == President of the High Transitional Authority == {{Main article|High Transitional Authority (Madagascar)}} === Resignation of Ravalomanana === On 7 February, Andry Rajoelina organized a new rally during which the leaders of the orange movement declared the constitution of a High Transitional Authority and Andry Rajoelina as its president. The crowd then marched towards the Presidential palace to state its claim to power. The presidential guards opened fire, killing 31 protesters, and wounding more than 200.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2009/02/07/madagascar-rajoelina-prend-la-tete-d-une-haute-autorite-de-transition_1152140_3212.html|title=Madagascar : la police ouvre le feu contre des partisans de l'opposition|website=Lemomnde.fr|date=7 February 2009|language=fr|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> This massacre dramatically diminished the Presidency’s popularity in the crisis<ref>{{cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/inline_images/MADAGASCARfinal.pdf|title=Countries at the crossroads 2011: Madagascar|website=Freedomhouses.org|date=2011|author1=Jerome Y. Bachelard|author2=Richard R. Marcus|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref>, and led to losing its support from the Army which blamed the President for ordering the shooting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7946741.stm|title=Madagascar soldiers seize palace|website=Bbc.co.uk|date=16 March 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> On 6 March, after the Malagasy authorities attempted to arrest him, Andry Rajoelina took refuge in the French embassy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7933226.stm|title=France protects Madagascar rival|website=Bbc.co.uk|date=9 March 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://observers.france24.com/en/20090311-malagasies-turning-against-french-madagascar-riots-rajoelina-ravalomanana|title=Are Malagasies turning against the French?|website=France24.com|date=11 March 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> On 10 March, the Army released a 72-hour ultimatum, urging the political leaders to find a solution to the crisis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE52907D20090310|title=Madagascar's army issues 72-hour crisis ultimatum|website=Reuters.com|date=10 March 2009|author=Alain Iloniaina|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7935096.stm|title=Madagascar army's crisis deadline|website=Bbc.co.uk|date=10 March 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> On 15 March, Ravalomanana went on air to declare a referendum to solve the crisis,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/africa/16madagascar.html|title=Madagascar Crisis May Go to a Vote|website=Nytimes.com|date=15 March 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> an offer refused by Rajoelina who instead called for the President’s arrest.<ref name="AutoRI-43">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/f7945681.stm | title = Call to arrest Madagascar leader | date = 16 March 2009 | work = [[BBC]] | accessdate = 18 March 2009 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090403001931/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7945681.stm | archivedate = 3 April 2009 }}</ref> The following day, Ravalomanana dissolved the government, resigned, and transferred the Presidential seal to a senior committee of the Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/world/africa/18madagascar.html|title=Madagascar’s President Quits After Weeks of Chaos|website=Nytimes.com|date=17 March 2009|author=Barry Bearak|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> On 18 March, the Army transferred power directly to Rajoelina, making him president of the High Transitional Authority (HAT). Madagascar's constitutional court deemed the double-transfer of power (Ravalomanana-Army-Rajoelina) to be legal.<ref name="aj-2009-03-19">{{cite news|title=Madagascar dissolves parliament |work=[[Al Jazeera]] |date=19 March 2009 |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/03/2009319155324395613.html |accessdate=14 July 2009 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5iejizW0Q?url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/03/2009319155324395613.html |archivedate=30 July 2009 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Rajoelina was sworn in as President on 21 March at [[Mahamasina Municipal Stadium|Mahamasina stadium]] before a crowd of 40,000 supporters.<ref name="gn-2009-03-21">{{cite news | url = https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gRPBgl6bSQQNkx4oA0bEJxiMlQmg | title = Madagascar's Rajoelina sworn in | agency = Agence France-Presse | work =Google News| date = 21 March 2009}}</ref> He was 35 years of age when sworn in, making him the [[List of heads of state of Madagascar|youngest president in the country's history]] and the youngest head of government in the world at that time.<ref>{{cite news | title = Who's your daddy? The youngest political leaders around the world | newspaper = The Economist | date = 3 June 2009 | url = http://www.economist.com/node/13768417 | accessdate = 16 March 2012 }}</ref> === Resolution of the political conflict === {{Main article|2009 Malagasy political crisis}} [[File:Nicolas Sarkozy et Andry Rajoelina.JPG|thumb|Andry Rajoelina and former French president [[Nicolas Sarkozy]]]] [[File:Andry Rajoelina and Ban Ki-Moon.JPG|thumb|Andry Rajoelina and Ban Ki-Moon in 2011.]] On 19 March 2009, [[Southern African Development Community|SADC]] announced it did not recognize the new government.<ref name="VOA News 2009-03-19" /> The [[African Union]] suspended Madagascar and threatened sanctions if the constitutional government had not been restored within six months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/03/21/madagascar.president/|title=Former opposition leader becomes Madagascar's president|website=Cnn.com|date=21 March 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> The United States, Madagascar's largest bilateral donor and provider of humanitarian aid, also refused to acknowledge the Rajoelina administration, and ordered all nonessential embassy employees to leave the Island.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/2009/0326/p07s01-wogn.html|title=Madagascar: island even more isolated after coup|website=Csmonitor.com|date=26 March 2009|author=Fanja Saholiarisoa|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="VOA News 2009-03-19">{{cite news| title = Southern African Nations Refuse to Recognize Madagascar Leader| date = 19 March 2009| publisher = | work = VOA News| url = http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-19-voa68.cfm| accessdate = 20 March 2009| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090321085344/http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-19-voa68.cfm| archivedate= 21 March 2009 | deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name="Bloomberg 2009-03-20">{{cite news| first = Paul| last = Tighe| coauthors = | authorlink = | title = Madagascar Army-Backed Leadership Change Denounced by EU, U.S| date = 20 March 2009| publisher = | work = Bloomberg.com| url = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aqiaTCUQ3jwk&refer=home| accessdate = 20 March 2009}}</ref><ref name="Econ1"> {{cite journal| title = A coup that is not yet irreversible| journal = The Economist| page = 56| date = 28 March – 3 April 2009}}</ref> Madagascar was removed from the list of beneficiaries of the [[African Growth and Opportunity Act]] (AGOA).<ref name = faim>{{cite web | last = De Schutter | first = Olivier | title = La population malgache a faim car elle est prise en otage |publisher = United Nations | url = http://www.srfood.org/index.php/fr/component/content/article/1563-madagascars-hungry-population-is-taken-hostage | date = 22 July 2011 | accessdate = 2 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> In May 2009, the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] also froze its aid to Madagascar.<ref name="reuters idUSLDE62G25D20101115">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/madagascar-referendum/timeline-madagascar-votes-on-a-new-constitution-idUSLDE62G25D20101115|title=TIMELINE-Madagascar votes on a new constitution|website=Reuters.com|date=15 November 2010|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> The UN responded to the power transfer by freezing 600 million euros in planned aid. The international community maintained that Rajoelina's legitimacy was conditional to free and fair elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/108757/MADAGASCAR15OCT09.pdf|title=Madagascar: Anatomy of a Recurrent Crisis|website=Ethz.ch|date=16 October 2009|author=Ottilia Maunganidze|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> In August 2009, the historic Presidents of Madagascar (Rajoelina, Ravalomanana, Ratsiraka, Zafy) signed the Maputo Accords which provided guidelines for a period of consensual political transition.<ref name="people 7104765">{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90777/90855/7104765.html|title=Madagascar parties agree to end political crisis, set election date|website=People.cn|date=14 August 2010|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> In October 11 2009, Andry Rajoelina appointed [[Eugene Malganza]] as a consensus Prime minister. Further guidelines were defined during the Addis Ababa reunion to split the presidential power with 2 co-presidents. The Malagasy former presidents were authorized to return to the Island, and Rajoelina named a new Prime Minister.<ref name="reuters idUSLDE62G25D20101115"/> In November 2010, a constitutional referendum resulted in the adoption of the state's fourth constitution with 73% in favor and a voter turnout of 52.6%.<ref name="people 7104765"/> One change made by the new constitution was to lower the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, making Rajoelina eligible to eventually stand in presidential elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Madagascar Approves New Constitution |newspaper=Voice of America |date=21 November 2010 |url=http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Madagascar-Approves-New-Constitution-109912629.html |accessdate=6 October 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219112449/http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Madagascar-Approves-New-Constitution-109912629.html |archivedate=19 December 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref> The new constitution mandated the leader of the High Transitional Authority – the position held by Rajoelina – be kept as interim president until an election could take place, and required presidential candidates to have lived in Madagascar for at least six months prior to the elections, effectively barring Ravalomanana and other opposition leaders living in exile from running in the next election.<ref name="Economist 2010-11-18">{{cite web|url=https://www.economist.com/baobab/2010/11/18/the-coup-that-wasnt|title=The coup that wasn't|website=Economist.com|date=18 November 2010|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="Guardian 2010-11-21">{{cite news| last = Pourtier| first = Gregoire| date = 21 November 2010| title = Madagascar referendum could deepen political crisis| newspaper = The Guardian| url = https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/nov/17/madagascar-referendum-political-crisis| accessdate = 21 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="peoplesd">{{cite web| title = "YES" leading in Madagascar's referendum on new constitution| publisher = People's Daily Online| date = 18 November 2010| url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/7204099.html| accessdate = 21 November 2010}}</ref> In June 2010, the EU announced the extension of its $600-million financial aid to Madagascar.<ref name="reuters idUSLDE62G25D20101115"/> In November 2011, his talk at the UN [[66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly]] marked the first major form of international recognition of the Transition government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE7B70CF20111208|title=Madagascar interim chief eyes elections, wary of ex-president|website=Reuters.com|date=8 December 2011|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madagate.org/politique-madagascar/dossier/2090-president-andry-rajoelina-speech-in-uno-66th-general-assembly.html|title=President Andry Rajoelina Speech in UNO 66th General Assembly|website=Madagate.org|date=9 October 2011|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> On 13 May 2011, Andry Rajoelina met with [[Alain Juppé]], the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, and on 7 December 2011 he was officially received by the French President [[Nicolas Sarkozy]].<ref>{{cite web | title = France: President Sarkozy meets Rajoelina | publisher = Afriquejet.com | date = 8 December 2011 | url = http://www.afriquejet.com/france-madagascar-2011120829111.html | archive-url = https://archive.is/20120721133003/http://www.afriquejet.com/france-madagascar-2011120829111.html | dead-url = yes | archive-date = 21 July 2012 | accessdate = 6 October 2012 }}</ref> In May 2013, when Ravalomanana's wife announced her candidacy for the [[Malagasy general election, 2013|2013 elections]]. Rajoelina saw it as a breach of contract and reintroduced his own candidacy for the elections. This situation led to postpone the dates of the elections many times.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-madagascar-elections/madagascar-pushes-back-presidential-election-to-october-idUSBRE97L0YE20130822|title=Madagascar pushes back presidential election to October|website=Reuuters.com|date=22 August 2013|author=Alain Ilioniania|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> A special electoral court ruled in August 2013 that the candidatures of Rajoelina, Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka were invalid and not be permitted to run in the 2013 election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/18/madagascar-bans-president-rival-wife-election|title=Madagascar court bans president and rival's wife from standing for election|website=Theguardian.com|date=18 August 2013|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> Andry Rajoelina then announced his endorsement of presidential candidate [[Hery Rajaonarimampianina]], who won the presidential election race. Andry Rajoelina officially stepped down on 25 January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Madagascar-strongman-steps-down-20140124|title=Madagascar strongman steps down|website=News24.com|date=24 January 2014|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> Rajaonarimampianina set up the MAPAR committee to organize the selection of his cabinet, a process that extended over several months. During this time, Rajoelina sought to be nominated for the position of [[Prime Minister of Madagascar]] but Rajaonarimampianina picked [[Roger Kolo]], with the support of the majority in the parliament.<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Rabary | first1 = Lovasoa |last2 = Obulutsa | first2 = George | title = Doctor Kolo Roger, new Prime minister of Madagascar |publisher = [[Le Monde]] | url = http://fanorenana.blog.lemonde.fr/2014/04/12/doctor-kolo-roger-prime-ministre-of-madagascar | date = 19 April 2014 | accessdate = 5 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-11/madagascar-president-appoints-roger-kolo-as-prime-minister.html | title = Madagascar President Appoints Roger Kolo as Prime Minister | publisher = Bloomberg News| date = 11 April 2014 | accessdate = 11 April 2014}}</ref> On 18 April, a cabinet was announced that comprised 31 members with varied political affiliations.<ref>{{cite web | title = Madagascar: Kolo Roger forme un gouvernement d'ouverture |language = French |publisher = Radio France Internationale | url = http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140411-madagascar-kolo-roger-nouveau-premier-ministre-grande-ile/ | date = 19 April 2014 | accessdate = 5 July 2014}}</ref> === Policies and governance === [[File:Andry Rajoelina greeting crowd.jpg|thumb|Andry Rajoelina in 2012.]] Upon taking office, Rajoelina dissolved the Senate and Parliament to transfer their powers to his cabinet, the officials of the HAT, and the newly established Council for social and economic strengthening, through which his policies were issued as decrees. Legislative authority rested in practice with Rajoelina and his cabinet, composed of his closest advisers. A military committee established in April increased HAT control over security and defense policy. The following month, after the suspension of the country's 22 regional governors, the Transitional government strengthened its influence over local government by naming replacements. The National Inquiry Commission (CNME) was established shortly thereafter to strengthen HAT effectiveness in addressing judicial and legal matters.<ref name = CrossroadsMarcus/> One of Andry Rajoelina's first measures as President was to cancel Ravalomanana's unpopular deal with Daewoo Logistics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7953617.stm|title=Africans reject Madagascar leader|website=Bbc.co.uk|date=19 March 2009|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> On 2 June 2009, Ravalomanana was fined 70 million US dollars (42 million British pounds) and sentenced to four years in prison for alleged abuse of office which, according to HAT Justice Minister Christine Razanamahasoa, included the December 2008 purchase of a second presidential jet ("Air Force II") worth $60 million.<ref name="Madagascar sentences ex-president">{{cite news|title=Madagascar sentences ex-president |date=3 June 2009 |accessdate=3 June 2009 |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8080940.stm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/68yJ2S2Cm?url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8080940.stm |archivedate=7 July 2012 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Rajoelina also pursued legal action against Ravalomanana's company Tiko to reclaim 35 million US dollars in back taxes.<ref name=TikoPressure>{{cite web|last=US Department of State |title=09Antananarivo266: Ravalomanana's Tiko Group under pressure |publisher=Leak Overflow |date=11 April 2009 |url=http://www.leakoverflow.com/questions/550756/09antananarivo266-ravalomananas-tiko-group-under-pressure |accessdate=7 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/68yFigBu9?url=http://www.leakoverflow.com/questions/550756/09antananarivo266-ravalomananas-tiko-group-under-pressure |archivedate=7 July 2012 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref> Additionally, on 28 August 2010, the HAT sentenced Ravalomanana [[trial in absentia|''in absentia'']] to hard labor for life and issued an arrest warrant for his role in the protests and ensuing deaths.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11120620 |publisher=BBC News |title=Exiled Madagascan leader Ravalomanana sentenced |date=28 August 2010 |accessdate=6 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/68yFHV1aa?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11120620 |archivedate=7 July 2012 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> He also rejected Ravalomanana's medium term development strategy, termed the Madagascar Action Plan, and abandoned education reforms initiated by his predecessor that adopted Malagasy and English as languages of instruction, instead returning to the traditional use of French.<ref name = Chatham>{{cite web| last1 = Dewar | first1 = Bob | last2 = Massey | first2 = Simon | last3 = Baker| first3 = Bruce | url= http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Africa/0113pp_madagascar.pdf | publisher= Chatham House | title= Madagascar: Time to Make a Fresh Start | date= January 2013 |accessdate = 6 June 2013 }}</ref> Later in 2012, he sold the controversial [[Boeing 747]] bought by his predecessor with public funds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zinfos974.com/Madagascar-Le-Boeing-de-l-ex-president-Ravalomanana-vendu_a48002.html|title=Madagascar : Le Boeing de l’ex-président Ravalomanana vendu|website=Zinfos974.com|date=5 October 2012|language=fr|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> Sanctions and suspension of donor aid amounted to 50% of the national budget and 70% of public investments, which obstructed the government's management of state affairs.<ref>{{cite web | title = Lettre ouverte: Pourquoi il faut lever les sanctions économiques contre Madagascar | publisher = Slate Afrique | url = http://www.slateafrique.com/39443/madagascar-crise-politique-sanctions-economiques-internationales-population-faim-pauvrete | date = 12 March 2012 | accessdate = 2 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> Rajoelina occasionally organized events to distribute basic items to the population, including medicines, clothing, house maintenance materials and school supplies.<ref>{{cite news | author = Bill | title = Arrivée de l'aide internationale: Andry Rajoelina a tenu à être présent | newspaper = Madagascar Tribune | date = 5 March 2013 | url = http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Andry-Rajoelina-a-tenu-a-etre,18515.html| accessdate = 6 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> His administration spent billions of ariary to subsidize basic needs like electricity, petrol,<ref>{{cite news | last = Fanjanarivo | title = Subventions énergétiques: Pour les riches et non pas pour les pauvres| newspaper = La Gazette de la Grande Ile | date = 14 May 2013 | url = http://www.lagazette-dgi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31318:subventions-energetiques-pour-les-riches-et-non-pas-pour-les-pauvres&catid=45:newsflash&Itemid=58| accessdate = 6 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> and food staples.<ref>{{cite news | last = Saraléa | first = Judicaëlle | title = Produit de première nécessité: Rajoelina promet du riz à Ar 1200 | newspaper = L'Express de Madagascar | date = 6 January 2011 | url = http://www.lexpressmada.com/4810/produit-de-premiere-necessite-madagascar/19733-rajoelina-promet-du-riz-a-ar-1200.html | accessdate = 6 June 2013 | language = French | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131231232743/http://www.lexpressmada.com/4810/produit-de-premiere-necessite-madagascar/19733-rajoelina-promet-du-riz-a-ar-1200.html | archivedate = 31 December 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> In 2010, two years after Rajoelina launched the project as mayor of Antananarivo, the HAT completed the reconstruction of the ''Hotel de Ville'' (town hall) of Antananarivo which had been destroyed by arson during the ''[[rotaka]]'' political protests of 1972. During this ceremony, Andry Rajoelina announced that 11 December was a new holiday in the Malagasy calendar, and the fourth Constitution of the country was enacted.<ref>{{cite news | last = Rakotoarilala | first = Ninaivo | title = 11 décembre: Jour à marquer d’une pierre blanche pour Andry Rajoelina | newspaper = Madagascar Tribune | date = 11 December 2010 | url = http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Jour-a-marquer-d-une-pierre,15212.html| accessdate = 6 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> Through the ''trano mora'' ("affordable house") initiative, the HAT built several subsidized housing developments intended for young middle class couples.<ref>{{cite news | title = Des logements pour les classes moyennes malgaches | newspaper = Radio France International | date = 10 September 2011 | url = http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20110910-logements-classes-moyennes-malgaches| accessdate = 2 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> Numerous other construction projects were planned or completed, including the restoration of historic staircases in Antananarivo built in the 19th century during the reign of Queen [[Ranavalona I]];<ref>{{cite news | last = Rakotoarilala | first = Ninaivo | title = D'Antaninarenina à Ambondrona: Andry Rajoelina revisite son adolescence | newspaper = Madagascar Tribune | date = 15 January 2013 | url = http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Andry-Rajoelina-revisite-son,18358.html| accessdate = 3 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> the repaving of the heavily traveled road between Toamasina and Foulpointe; the construction of a 15,000-capacity municipal stadium and new town hall in Toamasina; and the construction of a hospital built to international standards in Toamasina.<ref name = toamasina>{{cite news | author = Bill | title = Toamasina: Andry Rajoelina lance de nouveaux défis | newspaper = Madagascar Tribune | date = 8 October 2012 | url = http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Andry-Rajoelina-lance-de-nouveaux,18020.html| accessdate = 3 June 2013 | language = French}}</ref> == 2018 presidential campaign == [[File:AndryCampaign2018-1.jpg|thumb|Campaigners for Andry Rajoelina near [[Antsirabe]], October 2018.]] {{see also|2018 Malagasy presidential election}} In early August 2018, Andry Rajoelina was the first to register his candidacy for the [[2018 Malagasy presidential election|2018 presidential elections]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-madagascar-politics/madagascars-former-leader-andry-rajoelina-says-to-seek-presidency-again-idUSKBN1KM5UG|title=Madagascar's former leader Andry Rajoelina says to seek presidency again|website=Reuters.com|date=1 August 2018|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> He had previously introduced the Initiative for the Emergence of Madagascar (IEM) that define the lines of his campaign program. One campaign promise is to close the Senate to save money and build universities instead. He also aims to increase access to electricity, to work towards agricultural self-sufficiency, and to increase security.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/andry-rajoelina-plans-political-comeback-in-madagascar/a-44984197|title=Andry Rajoelina plans political comeback in Madagascar|website=Wd.com|date=7 August 2018|author=Eric Topona|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> The campaign started in October 2018, with Andry Rajoelina facing his historical opponents Ravalomanana and Rajaonarimampianina,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africanews.com/2018/10/09/election-campaigning-begins-in-madagascar/|title=Election campaigning begins in Madagascar|website=Africanews.com|date=9 October 2018|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> the favorites in a campaign of 46 candidates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/46-candidates-bid-to-contest-madagascar-presidency-20180821|title=46 candidates bid to contest Madagascar presidency|website=News24.com|date=21 August 2018|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> In the first round of the elections on 7 November, he took the lead with 39.19% (1,949,851) of the votes (Ravalomana 35.29% or 1,755,855 votes).<ref name="theeastafrican 4552902-4872530-trej7az">{{cite web|url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/africa/Madagascar-former-presidents-in-round-two-race/4552902-4872530-trej7az/index.html|title=Madagascar ex-presidents to contest run-off vote|website=Theeastafrican.co.ke|date=28 November 2018|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalvoices.org/2018/12/13/in-madagasgar-costly-presidential-campaigns-dont-add-up-to-a-better-life-for-citizens/|title=In Madagascar, costly presidential campaigns don't add up to a better life for citizens|website=Globalvoices.org|date=13 December 2018|author=Rakotomalala|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> A televised debate between the two final candidates was aired live on 10 December.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201812110662.html|title=Madagascar Presidential Vote - Rajoelina, Ravalomanana Debate|website=Allafrica.com|date=11 December 2018|accessdate=13 December 2018}}</ref> Rajoelina won the election and was inaugurated on 19 January 2019.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.africanews.com/2019/01/19/madagascar-president-andry-rajoelina-sworn-into-office/|title=Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina sworn into office|last=Oteng|first=Eric|date=2019-01-19|website=Africanews|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120002136/http://www.africanews.com/2019/01/19/madagascar-president-andry-rajoelina-sworn-into-office/|archive-date=2019-01-19|dead-url=no|access-date=2019-01-20}}</ref> == Awards == * 2000: Entrepreneur of the Year by the magazine ''Écho Australe''<ref>{{cite news |work=Madagascar Tribune |title=Rajoelina Andry Nirina: Brève biographie |date=23 March 2009 |url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Breve-biographie,11482.html |accessdate=9 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/69nVMJxUD?url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Breve-biographie,11482.html |archivedate=9 August 2012 |language=French |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> which named then-mayor of Antananarivo [[Marc Ravalomanana]] their Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999, bestowed the same honor on Rajoelina in 2000.<ref name = Cole/> * 2003: Best young entrepreneur in Madagascar by French bank BNI [[Crédit Lyonnais]]<ref>{{cite news |last=R. |first=A.W. |title=Andry Rajoelina: La foi agissante |newspaper=Madagascar Tribune |date=16 November 2007 |url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/La-foi-agissante,2993.html |accessdate=6 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6BChd56aB?url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/La-foi-agissante,2993.html |archivedate=6 October 2012 |language=French |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> == References == {{reflist}} == External links == * [http://www.andry-rajoelina.org/ Official website] {{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=[[Patrick Ramiaramanana]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Mayor of Antananarivo]]|years=2007–2009}} {{s-aft|after=[[Michele Ratsivalaka]]}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Marc Ravalomanana]]|as=President of Madagascar}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of Presidents of Madagascar|President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar]]|years=2009–2014}} {{s-aft|after=[[Hery Rajaonarimampianina]]|as=President of Madagascar}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Rivo Rakotovao]]<br>''{{small|(Acting)}}''}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of Presidents of Madagascar|President of Madagascar]]|years=2019–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}} {{Madagascar Presidents}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Rajoelina, Andry}} [[Category:1974 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Malagasy businesspeople]] [[Category:Malagasy Roman Catholics]] [[Category:Mayors of Antananarivo]] [[Category:Merina people]] [[Category:People from Antananarivo]] [[Category:Presidents of Madagascar]] [[Category:Young Malagasies Determined politicians]]'