Madagascar’s Parliament Votes to Impeach President Rajoelina for ‘Dereliction of Duty’

Madagascar’s National Assembly on Tuesday voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, accusing him of desertion of duty amid mounting political unrest and mass street protests over his government’s handling of national affairs.

The impeachment motion passed with 130 votes in favor — comfortably surpassing the two-thirds constitutional threshold required in the 163-member chamber. The outcome represents a dramatic escalation in the country’s deepening political crisis and a sharp rebuke of the embattled leader.

President Rajoelina, who has reportedly gone into hiding following weeks of demonstrations calling for his resignation, was accused by lawmakers of abandoning his responsibilities and undermining public trust.

The presidency, however, swiftly dismissed the impeachment move as “devoid of any legal basis,” insisting that the parliamentary action lacked constitutional merit and amounted to a political stunt by opposition forces.

The development further heightens tensions in the Indian Ocean island nation, already beset by economic hardship and growing public discontent over governance, corruption, and living conditions.