The Taxibe (public minibus) strike disrupted the daily routines of the capital’s residents yesterday. Reactions to the circumstances surrounding this movement highlight the vulnerability of the city’s administration.
A colossus with feet of clay. This expression summarizes the management challenges faced by the Urban Commune of Antananarivo (CUA). The municipal authorities face a primary Achilles’ heel: the political stakes inherent to the capital.
Yesterday’s Taxibe strike served as a revealing event regarding the gridlock that complicates the effective management of the “City of a Thousand.” Reacting to the demands of drivers and conductors, Clémence Raharinirina, Acting Head of the Analamanga Region, lashed out at the municipal leadership. She heavily criticized the President of the Special Delegation (PDS) of the CUA, accusing the administration of implementing unpopular and excessive measures.
The protest by Taxibe drivers and conductors was triggered by their perception that the vehicle impoundment sanctions and associated fines were too severe and costly. According to Clémence Raharinirina, she had already opposed this initiative during her time as an Antananarivo municipal councilor. She suspected the municipal authorities of wanting to “sow trouble during this festive period,” adding: “Why not implement this initiative after the holidays?”
However, administrative sanctions are intended to be deterrents. Administrative sanctions that fail to deter serve no purpose. “If they respect the law and their service specifications, they will not be penalized,” Taxibe users responded on social media. This point was emphasized by Divisional Commissioner Jean Victor Tsaramonina, Director General of the National Police, during a meeting between authorities and strike representatives yesterday at the Analakely City Hall.
Support from the Central State
“We cannot fail to enforce the law. It is unthinkable that the police would not apply the law against offenders,” asserted the Director General of the National Police. There is no good or bad time to implement measures to bring order to the city and enforce rules to improve social cohesion. However, when political considerations take precedence, this normalcy becomes an exception.
In some political reactions to the strike, the fact that the anarchy prevailing in this public service sector harms users was overshadowed by the fear of political consequences. Admittedly, social movements in the capital always create a significant stir. The events of September and October prove that when they gain momentum, they can topple a state administration.
However, the issue here is about restoring order in the capital, enforcing the rules of coexistence, and applying the law. Especially since everyone agrees that public transport in Antananarivo and its surroundings is catastrophic. Backtracking on appropriate measures to bring order is one of the causes of the current mess. The same applies to the case of street vendors.
Yesterday’s situation demonstrated that beyond the municipality’s will, the support of the central state remains necessary to restore the reputation of the “City of a Thousand.” Beyond financial matters, it is primarily a question of political and operational support. It is likely that the presence of several government members and administrative decision-makers at the meeting with Taxibe cooperative representatives in Analakely yesterday helped to quickly defuse the crisis. It remains to be seen, however, whether this meeting will actually lead to an improvement in services for users.
Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-24 06:00:41 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/greve-des-taxibe-ladministration-de-la.html