Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - The Prime Minister of Madagascar, Brigadier Albert Camille Vitalis, presented yesterday, October 17, his resignation to the President of transition, Andry Rajoelina, in accordance with agreements reached on October 15 with the mediation of Marius Fransman, South African Deputy Foreign Minister, signed by almost all the Malagasy political parties. These have a fixed timetable for the implementation of the "Feuille de route" (or roadmap) signed on September 16, 2011. By November 20 an Independent Electoral Commission must be created. The calendar provides for the appointment of, by 1 November, a Prime Minister "of consensus", followed by a government and a parliament of transition by 17 November.
"The various Malagasy political forces reached an understanding on a timetable for implementing the Feuille de route, but everyone interprets it as they wish" says to Fides an editor of Radio Don Bosco, the largest Catholic radio station in the country.
"For example, they all agree on the appointment of the Prime Minister, but with regards to the procedure of the appointment everyone has their own interpretation. The so-called 3 'mouvances' of former President Marc Ravalomanana, Diedier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy say that the Prime Minister must be appointed by them. The other Malagasy political members ask to have their say, presenting a list of three names, and from this list the Premier has to be chosen", says our interlocutor. "The problem is that since the crisis has erupted, the initial 4 'mouvances', the current Head of State (even if contested by the international community) Rajoelina, and the 3 former presidents, other 10 or 12 have been added, further complicating the situation".
With regards to the social crisis the already precarious conditions of the population is becoming more marked. "Poverty is increasing and the spread of diseases due to lack of medicines and medical care is increasing,too. People are sick and would like the political crisis to come to an end", concludes the source of Fides. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/10/2011)
