List of Presidents of Madagascar: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Madagascar from 1960 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Madagascar, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Madagascar: Michael Randrianirina (in office since 2025).

Presidents of Madagascar in order, with years in office

Philibert Tsiranana

Served: 1960–1972

First president of Madagascar; resigned on 11 October 1972 and handed power to General Ramanantsoa.

Gabriel Ramanantsoa

Served: 1972–1975

General who led a military government from 1972 until he resigned on 5 February 1975.

Richard Ratsimandrava

Served: 1975

Held power for six days in February 1975 and was killed on 11 February 1975.

Gilles Andriamahazo

Served: 1975

Led the military directorate from February to June 1975.

Didier Ratsiraka

Served: 1975–1993, 1997–2002

Led Madagascar for nearly 18 years from 1975, then returned to the presidency in 1997.

Albert Zafy

Served: 1993–1996

Won the 1993 election and left office in 1996.

Norbert Ratsirahonana

Served: 1996–1997 (interim)

Served as interim president between Zafy's departure and Ratsiraka's return.

Marc Ravalomanana

Served: 2002–2009

Took office in 2002 and left office in 2009 during a political crisis.

Andry Rajoelina

Served: 2009–2014, 2019–2025

Took power in 2009 at the head of a transitional authority; returned as elected president in January 2019, was re-elected in 2023, and fled the country during the October 2025 protests.

Hery Rajaonarimampianina

Served: 2014–2018

Became the officially elected president in January 2014 and served until September 2018.

Rivo Rakotovao

Served: 2018–2019 (interim)

Interim president from September 2018 until January 2019.

Michael Randrianirina

Served: 2025–present

Colonel who took power after the October 2025 military coup and was sworn in on 17 October 2025.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Madagascar

Who is the current president of Madagascar?

The current head of state of Madagascar is Michael Randrianirina, in office since 2025.

Who were the previous presidents of Madagascar?

The presidents and heads of state of Madagascar listed on this page, in order, are: Philibert Tsiranana, Gabriel Ramanantsoa, Richard Ratsimandrava, Gilles Andriamahazo, Didier Ratsiraka, Albert Zafy, Norbert Ratsirahonana, Marc Ravalomanana, Andry Rajoelina, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, Rivo Rakotovao, Michael Randrianirina.

Who was the first president of Madagascar?

Philibert Tsiranana was the first president of Madagascar, in office 1960–1972.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Madagascar; Archontology.org, Madagascar: Heads of State; WorldAtlas (checked Nov 2026). Includes interim leaders, who are labelled.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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