Marc Ravalomanana

Ravalomanana pursued free-market economic reforms, privatizing state-owned enterprises and encouraging foreign investment. His policies led to rapid economic growth, but also increased inequality and poverty.

Marc Ravalomanana won the presidential election against Didier Ratsiraka, but the results were disputed. After a political crisis and military support, Ravalomanana assumed power, ending Ratsiraka's rule.

Ravalomanana won a second term in the presidential election with 54.8% of the vote. His victory was seen as a mandate for his economic policies, but opposition grew over his authoritarian tendencies.

Ravalomanana was overthrown in a coup led by Andry Rajoelina, the mayor of Antananarivo. The coup followed months of protests and political crisis, and Ravalomanana went into exile in South Africa.