Philibert Tsiranana was a Malagasy politician and leader, who served as the first President of Madagascar from 1959 to 1972. During the twelve years of his administration, the Republic of Madagascar enjoyed institutional stability that stood in contrast to the political turmoil many countries of the African mainland experienced in this period. This stability contributed to Tsiranana's popularity and his reputation as a remarkable statesman.
Background
Ethnicity:
Both parents were of Tsimihety ethnic group located near the north-central coast of Madagascar
Philibert Tsiranana was born on 18 October 1912 in Ambarikorano, Sofia Region, in northeastern Madagascar, into the family of Madiomanana and Fisadoha Tsiranana. His parents were Catholic cattle ranchers from the Tsimihety ethnic group, Philibert was destined to become one himself. However, following the death of his father in 1923, Tsiranana's brother, Zamanisambo, suggested that he attend a primary school in Anjiamangirana.
Education
In 1923, Philibert began his primary education in Anjiamangirana. As a brilliant student, he was admitted into the regional school of Analalava in 1926, where he graduated with a brevet des collèges.
In 1930, he enrolled in the Le Myre de Vilers normal school in Tananarive, named after former resident-general of Madagascar Charles Le Myre de Vilers, where he entered the "Section Normale" program, preparing him for a career teaching in primary schools.
After completing his studies, he started a teaching career in his hometown.
Career
In 1942, he began receiving instruction in Tananarive for middle school teaching and by 1945, he succeeded in the teacher assistant competitive examinations, allowing him to serve as a professor in a regional school. In 1946, he obtained a scholarship to the École normale d'instituteurs in Montpellier, France, where he worked as a teacher assistant. He left Madagascar on 6 November.
He was part of the Tsimihety ethnic group. Well-educated, Tsiranana eventually entered politics and was elected to the National Assembly of Madagascar. In 1956, he was elected to one of Madagascar's three seats in the French National Assembly. He then helped to form the Social Democratic Party (PSD), a moderate party which supported autonomy for Madagascar from France, but not full independence. Tsiranana became vice-president of the executive council in 1957, being the only person to hold that new position in Madagascar. He became prime minister in 1958, and, when it was decided that Madagascar would receive independence, he became a candidate for President. In 1959, the post of Prime Minister was abolished and Tsiranana became Madagascar's first president.
Like most African leaders of his time, Tsiranana created an authoritarian, one-party state. By the 1960s, his Social Democratic Party was the only major political party in Madagascar. In 1971, his government brutally crushed a rebellion. Early in 1972, the government was confronted with student protests against the dominance of French culture and the many economic problems of Madagascar. The protests were crushed, but so much unrest was created that Tsiranana dissolved the government in May 1972 and appointed General Gabriel Ramanantsoa as prime minister. In October 1972, Tsiranana resigned as President and handed power to Ramanantsoa. Though he still had some support within the country, Tsiranana had been severely ill for a couple of years and generally stayed out of politics for the few months before his death.
Achievements
During his administration, the Republic of Madagascar enjoyed institutional stability that stood in contrast to the political turmoil many countries of the African mainland experienced in this period. This stability contributed to Tsiranana's popularity and his reputation as a remarkable statesman.
Religion
This is what philibert tsiranana said about religion, among other things, and how they affect a Nation: "it is no longer possible, nor desirable to modify the boundaries of Nations, on the pretext of racial, religious or linguistic criteria.. Indeed, should we take race, religion or language as criteria for setting our boundaries, a few States in Africa would be blotted out from the map. Leaving demagogy aside, it is not conceivable that one of our individual states would readily consent to be among the victims."
Politics
His political views are vividly seen in his work. Compared with the leaders of other developing countries of the time, Philibert's conduct appears honorable. Madagascar experienced moderate economic growth under his pragmatic socialist policies and came to be known as "the Happy Island." However, the democratization process was fraught with challenges and his term ultimately terminated in a political impasse that brought about the end of the democratic First Republic and ushered in the isolationist, Soviet-inspired socialist Second Republic.
The "benevolent schoolmaster" public image that Tsiranana cultivated disguised intense firmness that tended toward authoritarianism. Nonetheless, philibert tsiranana remains an esteemed Malagasy political figure remembered throughout the country as its "Father of Independence."
Views
Quotations:
"May these accomplishments, their development and their consequences not be transformed into instruments of destruction but may they bring physical, intellectual and moral well-being to all living things. such is the sincere desire of the Malagache people that they would like transmitted to the Moon by the American astronauts of Apollo 11. Long live the world founded on the wisdom and knowledge that God has given to man."
