Philibert Tsiranana

Infobox_President|name=Philibert Tsiranana
nationality=Malagasy


order=1st President of Madagascar
term_start=1 May 1959
term_end=11 October 1972
predecessor="None (position first established)"
successor=Gabriel Ramanantsoa
birth_date=birth date|1912|10|18|df=yes
birth_place=Ambarikorano, Madagascar
dead=dead
death_date=death date and age|1978|4|16|1912|10|18|df=yes
death_place=Antanarivo, Madagascar
spouse=
party=Social Democratic Party
vicepresident=
religion=
order2=Prime Minister of Madagascar| term_start2=14 October 1958
term_end2=1 May 1959
predecessor2="None (position first established)"
successor2="None (position abolished)"

Philibert Tsiranana (18 October 1912 – 16 April 1978) was a Malagasy politician and leader, who served as the first President of Madagascar from 1959 to 1972. He epitomized the country from 1960 to the end of his presidency. As the first president of the growing republic, Tsiranana was considered wise and talented, making him a skilled and well-liked politician. However, the French-speaking African republic suffered institutional stability throughout Tsiranana's tenure. He led the country through a form of socialism, which he termed "Malagasy socialism".

Through his first three years as president, in which he ruled as an authoritarian, Tsiranana committed several political blunders. Despite these faults, Tsiranana remains a leading political figure in Madagascar's history, and is often called the "Father of Independence".

Early life

According to his official biography, Tsiranana was born on 18 October 1912 in Ambarikorano, a town in northeastern Madagascar.Charles Cadoux. Philibert Tsiranana. In Encyclopédie Universalis. Universalia 1979 – Les évènements, les hommes, les problèmes en 1978. p.629] Born to Madiomanana and Fisadoha Tsiranana, [Harvnb|Saura|2006a|p=13.] Catholic cattle ranchers from the Tsimihety ethnic group, [Charles Cadoux. Philibert Tsiranana. In Encyclopédie Universalis. Édition 2002.] Philibert was destined to become one himself. [http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/histoire/biographies/IVRepublique/tsiranana-philibert-01011912.asp Biographies des députés de la IVe République: Philibert Tsiranana] ] However, following the death of his father in 1923, Tsiranana's brother, Zamanisambo, suggested that he attend a primary school in Anjiamangirana. [Harvnb|Saura|2006a|p=14.]

A brilliant student, Tsiranana was admitted into the regional school of Analalava in 1926, where he graduated with a brevet des collèges. [Harvnb|Saura|2006a|p=15.] 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. 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. [Harvnb|Saura|2006a|p=17.]

Later life

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 first and 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, he generally stayed out of politics for the rest of his life.

Tsiranana's son Philippe stood in the Malagasy presidential election, 2006, placing twelfth with only 0.02% of the vote.

Notes

References

* citation|first=André |last=Saura|title=Philibert Tsiranana, Premier président de la République de Madagascar: À l’ombre de de Gaulle|volume=I|publisher=Harmattan|location=Paris|date=2006a|isbn=2296013309|oclc=76893157
* citation|first=André |last=Saura|title=Philibert Tsiranana, Premier président de la République de Madagascar: Le crépuscule du pouvoir|volume=II |publisher=Harmattan|location=Paris|date=2006b |isbn=2296013317|oclc=71887916
* citation|first=Ferdinand|last=Deleris|title=Ratsiraka: socialisme et misère à Madagascar|publisher=Harmattan|location=Paris|date=1986|isbn=2858026971|oclc=16754065
* citation|first=Patrick|last=Rajoelina|title=Quarante années de la vie politique de Madagascar 1947-1987|publisher=Harmattan|location=Paris|date=1988|isbn=2858029156|oclc=20723968