Madagascar’s National Assembly convened this week and voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, a move that could reshape the country’s political landscape.
The decision—passed by a comfortable majority—followed months of growing pressure from opposition lawmakers, civil society and some foreign governments. The vote was a clear signal that Rajoelina’s grip on power is being challenged by a broad coalition of MPs.
Why did the Assembly act? Rajoelina’s presidency has been marred by accusations of corruption, stalled economic reforms, and a decline in foreign investment. Protesters have called for better wages, stricter anti‑corruption laws, and a return to democratic governance. The impeachment motion was drafted after a series of investigations revealed alleged financial misconduct and mismanagement in public funds.
The vote itself was swift. Out of 106 members present, 84 voted in favor of impeachment, 18 opposed, and 4 abstained. The opposition parties, led by the National Union for Development, made a strong case that the president violated constitutional provisions governing the abuse of power.
Rajoelina’s reaction was defensive. He condemned the Assembly’s decision as “political persecution” and promised to fight the accusations in court. He has also called for a national dialogue to avoid a political crisis. The president’s supporters worry that an impeachment could trigger a power vacuum and further economic uncertainty.
Internationally, the United Nations and African Union have urged both sides to keep the democratic process moving. France and the U.S. have indicated that they will monitor the situation closely. The move also comes at a time when Madagascar is negotiating new trade agreements and seeking to attract foreign investors.
And what does this mean for ordinary citizens? If Rajoelina is removed, a transitional government will step in, and a new president will be elected in the coming months. Economists warn that stability is key to restoring investor confidence, but they also note that political turmoil can hurt the tourism sector and food prices.
In short, the Assembly’s impeachment vote marks a turning point for Madagascar. The country’s future hinges on how smoothly this transition will be handled and whether a new leader can restore trust and grow the economy. The eyes of investors, citizens, and neighboring countries will be watching closely.
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