The Minister of Justice responds to the decision by the Groupement des entreprises de Madagascar (GEM) to suspend its participation in public-private dialogue. She characterizes this move as blackmail and pressure on the judicial system.
The Minister of Justice, Fanirisoa Ernaivo, has taken a firm stance in response to the statement published last week by the GEM. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the launch of Madagascar’s anti-corruption evaluation at the Novotel in Alarobia yesterday, the Minister labeled the business group’s decision to suspend all forms of public-private dialogue as “blackmail” and “pressure on the Judiciary.”
In a statement released on June 24, the GEM denounced what it termed a “prolonged denial of justice” affecting its five representatives on the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Fund (CNAPS). These five administrators are implicated in the CNAPS-SMGD (Société municipale de gestion digitale) legal case, which dates back to 2021 and has been under judicial investigation for several months.
The GEM also announced the immediate suspension of its representatives’ participation in the CNAPS Board and all other state governance committees. In response, Minister Ernaivo stated, “It is a privilege granted to participate in the decision-making of these entities, and it should not be used as a means of blackmail against the Justice system.”
The Minister added that the GEM is not the only private sector actor in Madagascar, noting that others are ready to step in if the GEM is unwilling to fulfill its roles. She further questioned whether the move was an attempt to exert pressure on the courts. The GEM maintains it will hold its position until the conditions for the rule of law and equal treatment are restored.
The business group claimed it had requested the dismissal of the case in March but received no response from the authorities. Minister Ernaivo indicated that halting the ongoing legal proceedings is not an option. She emphasized that the individuals involved have not been detained, allowing them to continue their professional activities, but noted that investigations will proceed until trial, regardless of one’s membership in the GEM.
Furthermore, the Minister alleged that a GEM member who is “on the run” is among the primary suspects, and that this individual’s flight abroad is delaying the case. She suggested that if the GEM wants to help, they should assist in bringing the fugitives back to expedite the process.
The GEM argues that its five representatives are being unfairly singled out among the twenty-four board members for an offense they claim they did not commit. The organization concluded by expressing its support for a strong and autonomous judiciary, provided it remains free from stigmatization or score-settling.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-01 06:13:17 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/dialogue-public-prive-fanirisoa-ernaivo.html