Andry Nirina Rajoelina, born on May 30, 1974, in Antsirabe, Madagascar, is a Malagasy entrepreneur and politician known for his significant and sometimes controversial role in Madagascar's recent political history[1][2]. He comes from a well-off family; his father was a retired Colonel[1]. Rajoelina first entered politics as mayor of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, winning the 2007 election with about 63% of the vote[2]. As mayor, he clashed with then-President Marc Ravalomanana, leading the opposition against what he accused of dictatorial governance. This opposition escalated into mass protests in early 2009, resulting in violent confrontations and political instability[2][4]. In 2009, backed by the military, Rajoelina assumed power as President of the High Transitional Authority at the age of 35, making him one of the youngest heads of government globally at that time[1][2][4]. He led the transitional government until 2014, stepping down afterward. Rajoelina returned to formal politics by running for president in 2018. He launched the Initiative for the Emergence of Madagascar (IEM), promising reforms such as closing the Senate to redirect funds to education and improving infrastructure and safety[1]. He won the December 2018 presidential election with 55.66% of the vote and took office in January 2019[1]. Rajoelina was re-elected in 2023 amid protests and allegations concerning his eligibility, particularly relating to his acquisition of French citizenship in 2014 and claims of unfair electoral conditions[3][7]. Following escalating unrest in late 2025, he fled the capital citing threats to his life. The Malagasy National Assembly voted to impeach him, and the military took control of the country, marking a significant political crisis[3]. His leadership legacy remains contested; while he has been a prominent figure in Madagascar’s politics for over a decade, critics argue that his tenure has coincided with increased corruption and socio-economic challenges[3].