Gabriel Ramanantsoa

Gabriel Ramanantsoa
President of Madagascar
In office 11 October 1972 – 5 February 1975
Prime Minister	Himself
Preceded by	Philibert Tsiranana
Succeeded by	Richard Ratsimandrava
Personal details
Born	13 April 1906 Antananarivo, Madagascar
Died	9 May 1979 (aged 73) Paris, France

Gabriel Ramanantsoa (13 April 1906 Antananarivo - 9 May 1979 Paris) was the President and Prime Minister of Madagascar from 1972 to 1975.

Ramanantsoa was a member of the Merina ethnic group, and came from a wealthy family. He was a career officer in the French army. After Madagascar became independent, he joined the Madagascar military, rising to the rank of Major General. In May 1972, amidst massive political protests, he became prime minister of the country, and a few months later, when President Philibert Tsiranana gave up power, Ramanantsoa became President, taking office on October 11, 1972. He tried to start political reconciliation. His government was nearly overthrown in December 1974. On February 5, 1975 he resigned amidst ethnic and social class tensions.

His nephew, Bernard Ramanantsoa is serving as Dean of French top business school HEC Paris.

References