The new President of the Republic, Andry Nirina Rajoelina, was sworn into office in Antananarivo on 19 January 2019 by the High Constitutional Court.
The ceremony took place in the presence of all the Heads of Institutions, members of the Government, Parliamentarians, and Military Chiefs.
Around 35 high-ranking personalities from abroad, among them the President of the African Union Commission, five African Heads of State, namely the incumbent Chair of SADC, and Chair of the Peace and Security Commission, as well as special envoys also graced the swearing-in, as did the Diplomatic Corps, religious leaders and traditional authorities.
The presence of the former Presidents of the Republic of Madagascar reflects the political will for appeasement and the presence of a huge crowd from all regions of Madagascar was an encouraging sign of the start of a journey towards inclusive development. Inspired by African wisdom, the President reminded : “Alone, with my nickname TGV (high-speed train), I go fast, but together we will go far”. In his speech, the young President highlighted the executive’s priorities, including doubling the production of energy at an affordable price, which is the basis for strengthening the industry, which is the creator of wealth and jobs, especially for young people. Similarly, the fight against corruption and respect for financial orthodoxy will be rigorously strengthened in all departments of the Administration.
The fight against poverty, which results in the well-being of the population, the structural transformation of the economy for strong and rapid growth, and the restructuring of the administration with rational governance in the service of the general interest were presented as the three main priorities. These cannot be achieved without ensuring the establishment of the rule of law.
In order to meet such enormous challenges, the new President of Madagascar calls on all the country’s stakeholders, the private sector and the benevolent support and guidance of the international community and technical and financial partners.
The banquet offered by the presidential couple at the State Palace in Iavoloha, after the ceremony, was an opportunity to show the cultural richness and solidarity of all the Regions. On the background of a giant screen and entertainment worthy of an international fair opening in Berlin, the talent and dynamism of Malagasy youth and even the next generation, with performances by young children, marked the festive event. The President concluded this historic day with bilateral and courtesy meetings.