International News

ANTANANARIVO, (APP/AFP) – Madagascar’s
presidency on Friday announced the resignation of Prime Minister Jean Ravelonarivo after weeks of political conflict, a claim swiftly denied by the head of government who said he planned to step down in the future.
Ravelonarivo and President Hery Rajaonarimampianina have been in
conflict over issues including the poor condition of the island’s main roads and rising crime in the capital Antananarivo.
Rajaonarimampianina won elections in 2013 but has been beset by
opposition to his rule, with lawmakers trying to unseat him for alleged constitutional violations and incompetence.
“The president has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Jean
Ravelonarivo,” the presidency said in a statement that gave no reason for the move.
“Until the formation of a new government, members of the outgoing
government will oversee government affairs.”
However, hours later the prime minister insisted he had not stepped
down.
“I spoke with the president this morning about a resignation and I
said that I would first speak to my family,” Ravelonarivo told reporters in his office.
“After that meeting, in my car, I heard the announcement of my
resignation,” he added.