Madagascar leader names new PM

ANTANANARIVO: Madagascar’s president has named a new prime minister after months of widespread discontent at the performance of his government. President Hery Rajaonarimampianina named Air Force Gen Jean Ravelonarivo as the new head of government late on Wednesday. Gen Ravelonarivo replaces Roger Kolo, who resigned on Monday along with the entire government. Observers are concerned about the political stability of Madagascar. “The president had to do something to give some new impetus to the government,” said Juvence Ramasy, a politics professor at Madagascar’s University of Toamasina. “The public is frustrated over issues such as ongoing power cuts and insecurity, especially in the south of the country.” Madagascar returned to civilian rule in 2013 after a 2009 military coup.