Madagascar installs new prime minister despite old PM’s claims that he won’t quit

Madagascar government installs new prime minister

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Madagascar’s government has installed a new prime minister, ignoring the former prime minister’s vow not to step down.

Members of the transitional government met late Saturday to confirm Eugene Mangalaza. He was given the job Tuesday by mediators who are trying to broker a power-sharing agreement on the island following a coup.

Outgoing prime minister Monja Roindefo is refusing to step down, saying not all parties got a say in the decision.

Exiled former president Marc Ravalomanana also objected to the mediator’s decision to keep coup leader Andry Rajoelina as president until elections in 2010.

Rajoelina, the mayor of Antananarivo, overthrew Ravalomanana after weeks of protests left dozens of people dead.