• Madagascar's President appoints anticorruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister.
• The appointment follows the dismissal of former prime minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo and the entire cabinet.
• Rajaonarison, leading the Financial Intelligence Unit, is expected to promote integrity and bold reforms.
• President Randrianirina insists on a transition period focused on national consultations and a new constitution.
• The government is facing pressure from youth-led protest movements demanding deeper reforms.

Madagascar's president Michael Randrianirina announced on state television that he has appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, just days after the dismissal of the previous prime minister and the entire cabinet. This decision marks a significant shift in leadership within the transitional government, which has faced criticism since Randrianirina seized power in October 2022 during protests that led to the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Rajaonarison, previously the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (SAMIFIN), is expected to lead a new cabinet with a focus on integrity and anti-corruption efforts. President Randrianirina emphasized the need for “bold decisions” as Madagascar navigates this transitional phase, stating, "This country needs a person of integrity, a person of principle, incorruptible and who cannot be bought with money," according to Africa News and Al Jazeera.

This leadership change follows significant unrest and growing demands for reform, particularly from youth-led protest movements within the country. Randrianirina's approach is framed as a “Refoundation,” aiming to restore state authority and rebuild public trust through national consultations and a planned new constitution, with presidential elections set for 2027, as stated by Reuters and Africa News.