Madagascar’s Leader seeks one year to fix nation’s issues
(MENAFN) Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has requested a one-year period to tackle the country’s pressing problems, promising that if they remain unresolved, he will resign. The statement came during a town-hall style meeting at the presidential palace with supporters and government affiliates, where attendees could ask questions or voice concerns directly.
"I don't want flattery. I want to hear the truth. It's the people who kept telling me that everything was fine who are responsible for our current situation," Rajoelina told participants.
The youth-led protest group Gen Z Mada, which has been calling for the president’s resignation, declined an invitation to participate in the discussions. “We refuse the president's invitation to talks. We will not engage in dialogue with a regime that represses, assaults, and humiliates its youth in the streets,” they stated on social media, while planning further demonstrations.
Rajoelina described the meetings as part of his commitment to “listen more,” emphasizing that honest conversation, rather than street protests, is essential to resolving the nation’s issues. The president also assured citizens that ongoing electricity projects would add 265 megawatts to the national grid to curb recurring power outages. "I swear that if power cuts persist in the capital within a year, I will resign," he affirmed.
The protests, which began on 25 September over persistent power and water shortages, have expanded to include grievances about corruption, unemployment, and rising living costs. In response, Rajoelina last week dismissed his entire cabinet and appointed an army general as prime minister—a move rejected by the protest movement, which vowed to continue its campaign.
Rajoelina originally came to power in 2009 following mass demonstrations and a military intervention that removed then-President Marc Ravalomanana. While youth-led demonstrations persist, activity in the streets has reportedly decreased, and life in much of the capital, Antananarivo, remains largely normal, aside from areas with heavy police monitoring.
Clashes with security forces have led to at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries, according to UN reports, although local authorities dispute these figures.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
