Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina (C) attends the appointment ceremony of new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026. Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister on Sunday. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

ANTANANARIVO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister on Sunday.

During the appointment ceremony at the presidential palace, Randrianirina said that he needed the "integrity" of Rajaonarison, who has long worked in the anti-corruption field.

"We must show the Malagasy people that the nation needs upright and incorruptible individuals," he said.

The president also stressed that he expects the new prime minister to promptly form a government tasked with implementing the national refoundation policy and delivering tangible results as soon as possible.

Before his appointment, Rajaonarison served as director general of Madagascar's Financial Intelligent Unit, a national entity in charge of the fight against money laundering and terrorism funding.

This appointment comes six days after Randrianirina dissolved the government led by former Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo. ■

Mamitiana Rajaonarison (1st R) accepts congratulations after his appointment as Madagascar's new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026. Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister on Sunday. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

Mamitiana Rajaonarison attends the ceremony of his appointment as Madagascar's new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026. Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister on Sunday. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

Mamitiana Rajaonarison (front) attends the ceremony of his appointment as Madagascar's new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026. Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister on Sunday. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)