He had been a significant political figure in Madagascar since the 1970s, and in April 2009 he was appointed as prime minister by ousted president Marc Ravalomanana.
Born in Fandriana, Amoron'i Mania, he received his primary and secondary education in Ambositra and Antsirabe and attended the University of Antananarivo.
[2][5] Rakotonirina was a candidate in the November 1992 presidential election, taking third place with 10.2% of the votes cast, behind Albert Zafy and Ratsiraka.
[10] President Ravalomanana was forced out of office by popular protests led by Andry Rajoelina and military intervention in March 2009.
[11] Rakotonirina subsequently began working out of the Carlton hotel in Antananarivo, and he appointed ministers to occupy the key government portfolios on 28 April;[12] he assigned himself responsibility for national defense.
[12] Rakotonirina was placed under house arrest and put on trial for various charges, including incitement of disorder and usurpation of public office.