Colonel Michaël Randrianirina has taken a further step toward abolishing the cult of personality. After declaring upon taking power that he did not need his portrait hung in administrative offices, he emphasized during a weekend tour in Toamasina that there is no need to thank him for his actions. “It is our duty; we are here to work. It is unnecessary to say ‘Thank you, President’.” He is the first leader to understand that he is in his position to serve, not to be served. Colonel Randrianirina explained to the public that the State only uses taxpayer money collected through taxes. “It is your money that we use to build development infrastructure. We can do better, but we must put an end to tax incivility.”
This clarification is significant. It puts an end to an old tradition inherited from the socialist era, when President Ratsiraka was the “respected and beloved president of the people.” His portrait sat in every office, and everything was owed to him.
His tours responded to the demands of the population wherever he went. Roads, bridges, schools, health centers, salary increases, bonuses for medal-winning athletes… The president was seen as a provider, taking advantage of poverty by distributing food and utensils. This culture of assistance and begging fostered submission and the idolization of leaders. After a brief interlude under Professor Albert Zafy, the practice of allegiance and praise returned. Marc Ravalomanana continued the practice, giving his private jet to athletes during the 2003 Indian Ocean Island Games in Mauritius, just as Ratsiraka had provided his personal plane to the national football team for a match in Zimbabwe.
Andry Rajoelina exacerbated the abuse by giving the impression that he was giving everything out of his own pocket, while in reality, he was distributing donations from donors and international organizations.
The use of state funds and good governance are the primary beneficiaries of this clarification.
Until now, the use of state money, public procurement, and adherence to public accounting principles have been chaotic. This speech by the Head of State aims to correct that.
For once, we can say “Thank you, Mr. President” with good reason. Thank you for reminding us of the role of elected officials and leaders. Thank you for ending the cult of personality. Thank you for putting the administration back on the right track. Thank you simply for recalling the fundamentals of good governance.
Egyptians were received by President al-Sisi after the World Cup, but he did not give a penny to the players. The French are decorated with the Legion of Honor if they become champions.
The president should not handle tasks devolved to ministries and federations. Otherwise, a government is useless. It is elementary.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-13 21:50:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/merci-president.html