Hery Rajaonarimampianina

Introduction: A Technocrat at the Helm

Hery Martial Rajaonarimampianina Rakotoarimanana, known globally as Hery Rajaonarimampianina, served as the 8th President of Madagascar from January 2014 to September 2019. His presidency marked a critical juncture in Malagasy modern history, following a prolonged period of political instability and a five-year transitional government after the 2009 coup. A former finance minister and accountant by profession, Rajaonarimampianina entered the Politics & Government arena as a relative outsider, positioning himself as a consensus builder and a technocrat focused on economic recovery and institutional normalization. His key achievement was overseeing the return to constitutional order and re-engagement of Madagascar with the international community, which had imposed sanctions following the political crisis. The tenure of this Ex-President (2014-2019) was defined by efforts to stabilize the nation's fragile economy and navigate complex political alliances.

Early Life and Education: Formative Years in Madagascar

Hery Rajaonarimampianina was born on November 6, 1958, in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. Details of his early family life are kept relatively private, but his educational path laid a clear foundation for his future in public finance and governance. He pursued higher education at the University of Antananarivo, where he developed a strong academic background in business and economics.

His quest for specialized knowledge led him abroad. Rajaonarimampianina earned a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in Finance from the University of Antananarivo before furthering his studies in Canada. He obtained a Master's degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières. This international education equipped him with a robust, technical understanding of fiscal policy and public accounting—skills that would later define his career in the Malagasy government. Before his prominent political roles, he applied his expertise as a professor of finance and accounting at the University of Antananarivo and as a founding partner of the accounting and audit firm Hery & Associates. These formative experiences crafted him into a meticulous professional, a profile that distinguished him from career politicians when he later entered the national spotlight.

Career and Major Achievements: From Finance Minister to President

Hery Rajaonarimampianina's public sector career began in earnest when he was appointed as the Director General of Taxes under President Marc Ravalomanana. His competence in this role led to a more significant appointment in 2009, when he became the Minister of Finance and Budget in the transitional government of Andry Rajoelina, which took power after the political crisis. This was a challenging period, as Madagascar faced international isolation and economic sanctions. As finance minister, his primary task was to manage a crippled economy and maintain basic state functions amidst political turmoil.

The 2013 Presidential Election and Ascension to Power

In 2013, as Madagascar sought to restore democracy, Rajaonarimampianina resigned from his finance post to run for president. He positioned himself as a neutral figure capable of bridging the deep divides between the camps of former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajoelina. With the backing of Rajoelina's party, he advanced to a runoff election against Jean-Louis Robinson, who was supported by Ravalomanana. After a tense electoral process, the Special Electoral Court proclaimed Hery Rajaonarimampianina the winner in January 2014 with 53.5% of the vote. His victory was widely accepted by the international community, signaling a new chapter for Madagascar.

Presidential Tenure and Key Initiatives

President Rajaonarimampianina's administration focused on several key pillars:

• Economic Recovery: He prioritized rebuilding the national economy, seeking the reinstatement of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and restoring relationships with international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
• Fighting Corruption: His government launched the "Miala Tsiny" ("Without Guilt") anti-corruption initiative, though its effectiveness was debated by critics and civil society.
• Infrastructure and Development: Projects like the modernization of Ivato International Airport and road rehabilitation programs were undertaken, albeit often facing funding and implementation challenges.
• Political Stability: Navigating a fractious parliament where his own "Hery Vaovao ho an'i Madagasikara" (New Forces for Madagascar) party lacked a majority was a constant challenge, leading to legislative gridlock.

His presidency faced significant tests, including a severe drought in the south that led to a humanitarian crisis, ongoing challenges of poverty, and political tensions that culminated in an impeachment vote in 2015 (which did not succeed) and large-scale protests in 2018. Despite these challenges, his administration is credited with maintaining the constitutional framework and overseeing a peaceful, albeit contested, electoral transition at the end of his term.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Lasting Impact

Hery Rajaonarimampianina is known to be a private individual, a devout Catholic, and a family man. He is married to Voahangy Rajaonarimampianina, an ophthalmologist, and together they have three children. His personal interests are rarely the subject of public spectacle, aligning with his image as a reserved and serious technocrat.

The legacy of Hery Rajaonarimampianina is complex and still being assessed by historians and political analysts. On one hand, his presidency successfully steered Madagascar out of its post-coup transitional period and re-integrated the island nation into the international community. The peaceful transfer of power after the 2018 elections to his successor, Andry Rajoelina, was a significant milestone for democratic consolidation. On the other hand, critics argue that his administration did not make sufficient progress in alleviating the profound poverty affecting the majority of Malagasies or in curbing systemic corruption. His tenure is often viewed as a period of stabilization rather than transformative change. Nevertheless, as the elected leader who restored constitutional order, Hery Rajaonarimampianina holds a definitive place in the modern political history of Madagascar.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

Prior to his presidency, Hery Rajaonarimampianina established himself as a successful professional in the field of finance and accounting. His primary business venture was the co-founding and management of the accounting firm "Hery & Associates," one of the leading audit and consultancy firms in Madagascar. This enterprise, along with his tenure as a university professor and his various high-level government positions, undoubtedly contributed to his personal wealth.

As is common with many sitting and former heads of state, his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed and remains a matter of estimation. His assets and wealth have been subject to declaration requirements under Malagasy law. It is widely understood that his financial standing stems from his long career in the private sector as a finance expert rather than from his time in public service. Since leaving the presidency, he has largely remained out of the business spotlight, focusing more on his political base and the activities of his party, though he maintains an influential profile within certain economic and political circles in Madagascar.