Didier Ratsiraka

Didier Ratsiraka
Madagascar Madagascar 1936–2021

Madagascar’s socialist charter

Madagascar’s leader from 1975. His socialist charter and Second Republic promoted nationalization, planned investment and economic decolonization. Debt and weak production led to market-oriented adjustments in the 1980s amid political opposition.

Related historical events

State and economic-policy context

Madagascar’s leader from 1975. His socialist charter and Second Republic promoted nationalization, planned investment and economic decolonization. Debt and weak production led to market-oriented adjustments in the 1980s amid political opposition.

The state acquired stakes in major financial, transport, trading and manufacturing firms, while private businesses faced price and profit-transfer controls. Increased investment in 1978–1980 raised debt without the expected production gains, followed by adjustment in the 1980s.

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