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Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Sunday unveiled the island nation’s new 27-member cabinet after receiving the list of nominations from Prime Minister Christian Ntsay.

The new government consists of 12 new ministers including one of the youngest in the country’s history, 28-year-old Max Fontaine, appointed Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development.

Rafaravavitafika Rasata was nominated for the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs while General Lala Monja Delphin Sahivelo  has been lined to take charge of the Ministry of Defense.

President Rajoelina said the appointments were made in consideration of the ministerial applications, and that he, alongside the Prime Minister, ensured that the nation would have “the right person in the right place”.

He further noted that the appointments mark the “opening of a new page in the conduct of state affairs”.

“It is from your appointment that the work and the challenges begin,” said Rajoelina. “My wish is that you mark the history of your respective department by instigating major change and developing the sectors concerned.”

Félicitations aux nouveaux membres du gouvernement! Aujourd’hui marque le début d’une nouvelle ère administrative. Rigoureusement choisis, ces ministres, méritants et engagés, ont prêté serment pour le bien du pays et du peuple #Malagasy, promettant des résultats concrets. pic.twitter.com/B2dssGytmg

— Andry Rajoelina (@SE_Rajoelina) January 14, 2024

Rajoelina was sworn in for a second term on December 16, following his election victory in the country’s November vote.

“I will be the president who unites all Malagasy people,” he said at the event held in the capital Antananarivo and attended by six heads of state.

“We will take particular care of the poor, the elderly, women, young people and children. For the next five years, we will pursue three pillars: human capital, industrialization and improving the management of public administration,” he added.