Gabriel Ramanantsoa
Gabriel Ramanantsoa was a Malagasy politician who served as the second President and eighth Prime Minister of Madagascar from 1972 to 1975. A Major General in the Madagascar military, he became Prime Minister amid political protests in May 1972 with French backing. Following President Philibert Tsiranana's resignation, he assumed the presidency and attempted political reconciliation.
ZODIAC ELEMENTS
Ascendant:
Sun-Sign:
Moon-Sign:
GABRIEL RAMANANTSOA
Gabriel Ramanantsoa was born on April 13, 1906, in Tananarive, Madagascar, into a Merina family. He pursued military education at the prestigious École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr in France, where he developed a strong foundation in military strategy and leadership. In 1934, he married Marcelle Larguier, and together they raised four children. Ramanantsoa served as a career soldier in the French army before returning to Madagascar, where he joined the newly established Malagasy army following the country's independence on June 26, 1960. His leadership skills quickly earned him the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, a role he maintained until 1972.
In May 1972, following widespread political and social unrest against President Philibert Tsiranana, Ramanantsoa was entrusted with full powers by Tsiranana himself amid a volatile political landscape. Although Tsiranana remained president in name, he faced mounting opposition and was ultimately dismissed after a referendum on October 8, 1972, which confirmed Ramanantsoa's authority. He officially became the second head of state of the Malagasy Republic on October 11, 1972, leading the country through a military transition aimed at promoting the Malagasyization of society.
Ramanantsoa’s leadership was characterized by a conservative ideology and a strong respect for legal frameworks. Despite being brought to power by a popular movement, his tenure was marked by challenges in achieving political reconciliation. On February 5, 1975, after enduring mounting tensions that fragmented his government, he resigned amidst a complex political, ethnic, and social climate. His resignation paved the way for Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava, the former Minister of the Interior, to assume leadership.
Gabriel Ramanantsoa passed away on May 9, 1979, in Paris and was laid to rest in Madagascar. His legacy continues, particularly through his family; he is the uncle of Bernard Ramanantsoa, who served as the general director of the HEC Paris group.
Reference:
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Gabriel Ramanantsoa assumed power in Madagascar on May 11, 1972, following President Philibert Tsiranana’s resignation amid widespread protests. He led a transitional military government aimed at restoring order and addressing public discontent. Ramanantsoa remained in office until February 5, 1975, when he resigned due to internal conflicts and opposition within his administration. He transferred authority to Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava, marking the end of his rule.