"I take responsibility": Rajoelina dismisses his entire government

In a televised address Monday evening, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina announced the shock decision to dismiss his entire government . This move comes after days of violent protests , during which the UN deplores at least 22 deaths .

This radical reshuffle is a turning point. It could mark the end of a cycle or usher in a new era of turmoil.

A social explosion under tension

The demonstrations began around a simple demand: access to water and electricity , a sector that has become unbearably unstable for thousands of Malagasy people.

But very quickly, the movement became politicized. People no longer just shout "turn the lights back on," they demand accountability. They denounce corruption , disastrous management , and the government's contempt for citizens.

The young people at the heart of the movement drew inspiration from recent uprisings in Kenya and Nepal.

The response from law enforcement was brutal, with tear gas and rubber bullets. Entire neighborhoods were looted and destroyed.

The UN speaks of “violent use” of security forces for some of the victims.

The human toll is heavy with 22 dead, more than a hundred injured, but popular anger has remained intact.

Reshuffle as a gesture of political survival

When you're on the brink of a precipice, you cut off the dead branches to save what's left. This is probably what Rajoelina has in mind. His government had become the scapegoat.

In his speech, he acknowledged that some ministers "had not fulfilled their missions" and that he intended to create a "space for dialogue" with the protesters.

A new Prime Minister will be chosen in the coming days.

But this blind sweep will not be enough if the foundations are not changed. The population demands something concrete.

Rajoelina also had to apologize, a rare word in Malagasy politics. He said he intended to "correct the mistakes."

Fragile balance between shouting and power

This complete dismissal of the government is a risky bet. As long as the people don't see results (improved electricity distribution, repaired public services, effective fight against corruption), calm could remain illusory.

If the new team remains a mere shadow of its former glory without any real break, the social movement will resume.

But Rajoelina may have had no other choice. The protest is the most serious he has faced since his re-election.

Now he has to prove that this is not just a matter of ministerial chair shuffling, but a profound overhaul.