First Republic

Madagascan history

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July 19, 2026

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The First Republic of Madagascar was established on June 26, 1960, with Philbert Tsiranana as its first president. The ruling party, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), maintained power until 1972. Tsiranana's administration focused on "grassroots socialism" to improve the lives of farmers and maintained strong ties with France, while also fostering relationships with the United States, West Germany, Taiwan, and South Africa.12

Despite Tsiranana's reelection in January 1972, widespread political and labor unrest led to the May 1972 revolution. This upheaval, combined with Tsiranana's declining health, resulted in the appointment of Maj. Gen. Gabriel Ramanantsoa as prime minister with full governmental authority, marking the end of the First Republic.12

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Madagascar
The First Republic
The opposition regrouped under the name Congress Party for the Independence of Madagascar (Antokon’ny Kongresin’ny Fahaleovantenan’i Madagasikara; AKFM), which included both Protestant Merina dissidents and communists. Antananarivo was the party’s stronghold; it also had some support in the provinces but, owing to the…
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The opposition regrouped under the name Congress Party for the Independence of Madagascar (Antokon’ny Kongresin’ny Fahaleovantenan’i Madagasikara; AKFM), which included both Protestant Merina dissidents and communists. Antananarivo was the party’s stronghold; it also had some support in the provinces but, owing to the…
Read More