Gabriel Ramanantsoa

Gabriel Ramanantsoa (13 April 1906 – 9 May 1979) was a Malagasy politician who served as the second President and eighth Prime Minister of Madagascar from 1972 to 1975.

In May 1972, amidst massive political protests, he became prime minister of the country with tacit French backing, and President Philibert Tsiranana vested him with full executive powers.

[3] Tsiranana resigned altogether on 11 October 1972 following a referendum that approved a five-year transition period under military leadership, and Ramanantsoa became president as well.

His popularity faded due to rumors of corruption involving him and his wife, and government was nearly overthrown in December 1974 by an anti-Merina coup led by Bréchard Rajaonarison.

[4] He lost the backing of Richard Ratsimandrava and Didier Ratsiraka, and on 5 February 1975, he was forced to resign amidst ethnic and social class tensions.