Madagascar’s new executive faces scrutiny from Gen Z

Editor-in-chiefOctober 29, 202510 Mins read24

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Madagascar’s New Government Under Scrutiny: Gen Z’s Watchful Eye

Madagascar stands at a pivotal crossroads. The recent handover of power and the formation of a new transitional government have ignited intense public debate, with **Gen Z** emerging as a particularly vocal and critical force. This article examines the dramatic political shift, the challenges confronting the new leadership, and the unique pressure exerted by Madagascar’s youthful populace demanding genuine change.

**The Power Transition and Formation of the Transitional Executive**

Just two weeks after the departure of the former president, Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar entered a new political phase. On October 17, 2025, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina was inaugurated as the head of a transitional executive authority. This body holds the crucial, time-sensitive mandate of planning and conducting **free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections** within the next two years.

The formalization of this government came on October 28th, with Randrianirina appointing Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as Prime Minister. This announcement followed the initial proclamation on October 20th. The appointments quickly became the focal point of public discussion and apprehension.

**Key Appointments and the Weight of Public Perception**

The selection of Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as Prime Minister drew a mixed, often skeptical, response from the Malagasy public. Critics pointed to his background and perceived associations with figures and entities linked to the previous administration. This fueled fears that the new government might represent continuity with the old regime rather than the fresh start many citizens, especially the youth, desperately sought. The core question hovering over the appointments was: *Will this leadership truly break with the past, or is it merely a reshuffling of the same power structures?*

The appointment of Faïza Ernaivo as Minister of Justice, however, injected a significant dose of both controversy and cautious optimism. A former judge who gained prominence (and infamy) for her anti-corruption stance during her tenure, Ernaivo was forced into exile in France under the previous government, facing repeated extradition requests ignored by the French authorities. Her return to Antananarivo signals a potentially powerful commitment to tackling high-level corruption. Yet, her methods were sometimes perceived as heavy-handed, and her appointment remains a polarizing symbol – representing both the potential for decisive anti-graft action and the risk of bringing past conflicts into the new government.

**Gen Z: The Digital Generation Demanding Accountability**

Malaysia boasts one of the youngest populations globally, with an estimated 65% under the age of 30. **Gen Z** (roughly born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) constitutes a significant and increasingly influential segment of this demographic. This generation is characterized by digital fluency, heightened social awareness, and an uncompromising demand for **good governance, transparency, and accountability**.

They are leveraging social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter/X, TikTok) not just for communication, but as tools for mobilization. Gen Z Malagasy citizens are actively organizing protests, naming and shaming suspected corrupt officials, and scrutinizing government appointments and policies in real-time. Their expectations are clear: they want tangible evidence of reform, rapid progress on corruption, economic opportunity, and a government that genuinely represents their future. They have little tolerance for perceived hypocrisy or the continuation of systemic issues that have plagued Madagascar for decades.

**Key Concerns Driving Gen Z Scrutiny**

1. **Corruption Eradication:** Endemic corruption and embezzlement of public funds are persistent grievances. Gen Z sees corruption as the root cause of poverty and underdevelopment. They demand **concrete action** from the transitional government: robust anti-corruption commissions, protection for whistleblowers, prosecution of high-profile offenders without political interference, and strict asset declarations for all officials.
2. **Economic Opportunity & Reduction of Inequality:** Faced with high unemployment, limited access to quality education and skills training, and stark wealth disparities, Gen Z is vocal about the need for **inclusive economic policies**. They seek job creation (especially in tech and green sectors), improved access to finance for startups, investment in vocational training aligned with market needs, and policies addressing the growing gap between the wealthy elite and the impoverished majority.
3. **Environmental Stewardship:** Madagascar is a global biodiversity hotspot, yet faces severe threats from illegal logging, mining, and climate change impacts. Gen Z is deeply concerned about environmental degradation and its consequences. They demand that the government prioritize **sustainable development**, enforce environmental regulations strictly, combat illegal resource extraction, and integrate Madagascar’s unique ecological heritage into national planning and tourism strategies.
4. **Governance Reforms & Trust Building:** Gen Z views transparency and an independent judiciary as fundamental pillars of democracy. They demand **open government practices**: publication of budgets and contracts, freedom of information laws, protection for independent media, and judicial independence free from political pressure. Restoring public trust, particularly after periods of perceived authoritarianism, is paramount. **Authentic engagement** with citizens, including youth, is not seen as optional but essential.

**Challenges Confronting the Transitional Government**

The task before Colonel Randrianirina and his cabinet is immense and multifaceted:

1. **Electoral Organization within 24 Months:** Coordinating nationwide elections is a logistical and political Herculean task. It requires massive resources, impartial security forces, an uncontested independent electoral commission, and public confidence in the process. Delays or perceived manipulation will fuel further unrest.
2. **Maintaining Fragile Stability:** Madagascar has experienced significant political instability in recent years. The transitional government must carefully navigate potential tensions between different political factions, security forces, and civil society to prevent a resurgence of violence or major protests.
3. **Dismantling Deep-Rooted Corruption:** Corruption is systemic. Effective combatting requires strengthening institutions (like an independent judiciary and anti-corruption agencies), reforming patronage networks, and facing down powerful vested interests – a politically risky undertaking.
4. **Revitalizing a Weak Economy:** Madagascar struggles with insufficient investment, infrastructure deficits, and vulnerability to climate shocks. Creating jobs (especially for its youth bulge), attracting sustainable investment, improving infrastructure (transport, energy, digital), and boosting agricultural productivity are critical economic challenges.
5. **Earning Public Legitimacy:** Perhaps the greatest challenge is winning over the skeptical public, especially Gen Z. The government must demonstrate *immediately* that it is fundamentally different – through transparent actions, appointments genuinely committed to reform, and rapid progress on core promises. Words alone will not suffice.

**The Imperative for Inclusive Leadership and Concrete Action**

The future stability and development of Madagascar hinge on the transitional government’s ability to navigate this turbulent period successfully. While the appointment of figures like Faïza Ernaivo signals a potential commitment to tackling corruption, symbolic gestures are insufficient. The **real test lies in actions**.

Winning over Gen Z and the broader public requires:

* **Uncompromising Transparency:** Proactively releasing information, holding open consultations, and being accessible.
* **Demonstrable Accountability:** Holding affiliates and themselves accountable without fear or favor.
* **Authentic Youth Engagement:** Creating structured mechanisms for Gen Z input into policy and oversight, recognizing their energy and stake in the future.
* **Focused Priority Setting:** Addressing the core demands of anti-corruption, economic revitalization, environmental protection, and governance reform simultaneously, understanding their interconnectedness.

The scrutiny from Gen Z is not merely cynicism; it is a reflection of deep-seated hope and desperation. Their intense focus forces the new leadership to confront the stark realities of Madagascar’s challenges. The coming months will be critical. The ability of the transitional executive to manage the electoral process *and* simultaneously address the core concerns of transparency, anti-corruption, opportunity, and good governance will determine not only its legitimacy but the trajectory of Madagascar itself. The nation waits, watching closely through the lens of its digital-savvy, future-oriented generation.

**Practical Advice for Stakeholders**

* **For the Transitional Government:**
* **Publish detailed transition plans and timelines for elections publicly and regularly.**
* **Immediately establish an independent anti-corruption body with real investigative powers.**
* **Create a formal youth advisory council or platform for ongoing dialogue with Gen Z representatives.**
* **Launch concrete economic stimulus programs focused on rural development and youth employment within the first 100 days.**
* **Enforce strict asset declarations for all ministers and senior officials, publishing them online.**

* **For Civil Society & Gen Z Activists:**
* **Monitor government actions rigorously using technology and citizen journalism.**
* **Organize peacefully but persistently to maintain pressure.**
* **Promote civic education and voter registration drives.**
* **Collaborate with international observers and anti-corruption NGOs.**

* **For International Partners:**
* **Conditionally support programs aligned with electoral integrity, anti-corruption, and sustainable development.**
* **Offer technical assistance for election deployment and judicial strengthening.**
* **Respect Malagasy sovereignty while encouraging human rights protections.**

**Points of Caution**

* **Avoid Over-simplification:** While Gen Z is a powerful force, Malagasy society is diverse. Views exist across generations and regions; not all youth perspectives are monolithic.
* **Recognize Institutional Constraints:** The effectiveness of the government depends heavily on the capacity and integrity of existing bureaucratic structures, which may be weak.
* **Potential for Co-opteration:** There is a risk that older political elites may attempt to neutralize Gen Z’s influence or co-opt its leaders to dilute its impact. Vigilance is needed.
* **Security Sensitivity:** Madagascar has experienced political violence. All actors must prioritize peaceful dialogue and de-escalation strategies.

**Comparison: Then vs. Now**

**Legal Implications**

The formation and actions of the transitional government carry significant legal weight:

* **Constitutional Mandate:** The government’s existence and authority are derived directly from the Malagasy Constitution and related transitional legal frameworks. All actions must strictly adhere to these.
* **Electoral Law Compliance:** The organization and conduct of the elections must fully comply with existing and newly enacted (if necessary) electoral legislation, ensuring inclusivity and legality.
* **Anti-Corruption Frameworks:** Appointments to bodies like the Anti-Corruption Directorate must comply strictly with national laws governing such institutions and their staffing processes. Faïza Ernaivo’s return and role invoke discussions around amnesty laws and prosecutorial independence.
* **Potential Legal Challenges:** Opposition factions or individuals potentially aggrieved by appointments (like Mr. Rajoelina regarding Ernaivo) might pursue legal challenges, though the political sensitivity is high. Adherence to due process is paramount.
* **Investment & International Law:** Attracting foreign investment requires assurance of political stability and adherence to international norms and treaties regarding governance and human rights.

**Conclusion: A Nation’s Gaze**

Madagascar’s new transitional government walks a razor’s edge. The intense scrutiny from **Gen Z** and the broader public acts as both a crucible and a compass. While initial appointments offer cautious hope on corruption (thanks to Faïza Ernaivo), the coming months will reveal whether the leadership possesses the political will, strategic acumen, and transparent operational mode required to deliver the elections, overhaul governance, revitalize the economy, and protect Madagascar’s irreplaceable environment. The **success or failure** of this transition will be etched not just in legal documents, but in the tangible improvements Malagasy citizens, especially its vast youth cohort, see in their daily lives. The alternative – failure to deliver on promises – risks deepening disillusionment and instability. The world watches; Madagascar’s future hangs in the balance.

**FAQ: Understanding Madagascar’s Political Transition and Gen Z’s Role**

1. **Q: What is the main role of Madagascar’s new transitional government?**
* A: Its primary legal mandate is to organize, prepare for, and conduct **free, fair, transparent, and credible** presidential and parliamentary elections within the next two years. This includes logistical planning, voter registry updates, candidate registration, campaign regulations, and security deployment.

2. **Q: Why is Gen Z particularly scrutinizing this government?**
* A: Gen Z represents the future and is directly impacted by Madagascar’s chronic problems like corruption, unemployment, and environmental decline. They utilize digital tools to organize and hold power accountable. Their demand for **authentic reform and transparency** sets them apart from previous generations’ engagement levels in politics, making their scrutiny especially visible and insistent.

3. **Q: Who is Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, and why is his appointment controversial?**
* A: He is the appointed Prime Minister of the transitional government. The controversy stems from perceptions of his **ties to the previous Rajoelina administration and its associated business/political factions**. Critics question whether this indicates a lack of genuine break from the past.

4. **Q: Why is Faïza Ernaivo’s appointment seen as significant?**
* A: Ms. Ernaivo is a renowned anti-corruption figure who previously challenged the former regime. Her return from exile and appointment signal a **strong, symbolic commitment** from the new government to tackle high-level corruption. However, her controversial methods and the potential for reigniting past feuds are concerns.

5. **Q: What specific actions does Gen Z want to see on corruption?**
* A: Gen Z demands: (a) An **effective, independent anti-corruption body** with prosecutorial power, (b) **Proactive publication of assets** by all officials, (c) **Protection for whistleblowers**, (d) **Unimpeded prosecution** of corrupt officials regardless of connections, and (e) **Transparency in public procurement**.

6. **Q: How does Gen Z influence politics in Madagascar?**
* A: Primarily through **social media mobilization** (organizing protests, awareness campaigns), **digital activism** (monitoring officials, investigative blogging), **voter mobilization** efforts, and direct but often peaceful **public demonstrations**. Their online presence amplifies their reach significantly.

7. **Q: What are the biggest economic challenges facing Madagascar today?**
* A: Madagascar struggles with **high unemployment** (especially youth unemployment), **chronically low foreign direct investment** ($1.1bn in 2023), **significant debt**, vulnerability to climate disasters, **infrastructure deficits** (transport, energy, digital), and widespread poverty. Attracting investment while ensuring inclusive growth is critical.

8. **Q: What environmental threats does Madagascar face, and why is Gen Z concerned?**
* A: Madagascar faces extreme threats to its unique biodiversity: **Illegal logging** of precious woods (rosewood, ebony), **illegal mining** (sapphires, talc), **deforestation**, **soil erosion**, and impacts of climate change (droughts, cyclones). Gen Z recognizes these threaten ecological survival and future economic opportunities (e.g., eco-tourism) and demands stronger protection and sustainable policies.

9. **Q: Can the transitional government realistically win Gen Z’s trust quickly?**
* A: Gaining deep trust is a long-term process, but the government can make significant strides. **Immediate steps** like publishing comprehensive transition plans, making appointments fully transparent, demonstrating action on key corruption cases, launching visible youth employment initiatives, and holding authentic public forums can begin to bridge the trust gap. Consistent action over time is essential.

10. **Q: What happens if the elections aren’t held within two years?**
* A: Failure to hold elections within the mandated timeframe would be a **grave constitutional and legal violation**. It would severely undermine the government’s legitimacy, likely trigger widespread public outrage and protests, potentially lead to further political crises, and damage Madagascar’s international standing and access to aid.

**Sources**

1. Reuters: Articles covering the appointment of Colonel Randrianirina and Faïza Ernaivo.
2. AFP (Agence France-Presse): Images and reports on the inauguration ceremonies and early government formation (e.g., October 17 & 28 announcements).
3. BBC News: Coverage of the political transition and youth activism in Madagascar.
4. Al Jazeera: Reports analyzing the socio-political climate and Gen Z influence.
5. Madagascar Ministry of Youth (official website if available): Policies and programs.
6. International Journal of Educational Development (IJED): Studies on youth and education in Madagascar.
7. UNDP Reports: Assessments on governance, corruption, and sustainable development in Madagascar.
8. World Bank Country Reports: Data on Madagascar’s economy, governance, and environmental challenges.
9. Electoral Law of Madagascar (article detailing the mandate of the transitional authority and electoral commission).
10. Official Anti-Corruption Directorate of Madagascar website or publications (if legally operational and transparent).

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