Siteny Thierry Randrianasoloniaiko (born 1972) is a Malagasy businessman, world-class sports administrator, and a powerful political figure. Often associated with the color yellow (the theme of his 2023 campaign), he is the current President of the National Assembly of Madagascar. As of January 11, 2026, he is the most vital institutional link between the new military leadership and the civilian government following the 2025 revolution.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Siteny Thierry Randrianasoloniaiko |
| Born | July 27, 1972, Toliara, Madagascar |
| Current Office | President of the National Assembly (Assumed Oct 15, 2025) |
| Political Party | Social Democratic Party (PSD) |
| Sports Role | President of the African Judo Union; VP of International Judo Fed. |
| Key Status | Institutional mediator in the 2026 “Interim” government. |
January 2026: The Constitutional “Guardian”
Following the October 2025 ousting of Andry Rajoelina, Siteny has positioned himself as the legal anchor of the country’s new political order.
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“Interim, Not Transition” (Jan 8, 2026): In a televised broadcast just three days ago, Siteny made national headlines by explicitly rejecting the label of “transition regime” for the current government. He argued that the power held by Colonel Michael Randrianirina is an “interim” authority strictly governed by the High Constitutional Court (HCC). This distinction is critical in 2026, as it aims to maintain the legitimacy of Malagasy institutions in the eyes of the international community.
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Speaker of the Assembly: On October 15, 2025, Siteny was elected Speaker of the National Assembly. He has used this platform to support the new government’s recent measures, such as the 310,000 ariary bonus for civil servants and the aggressive crackdown on utility-sector corruption.
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The “Russia” Connection: Siteny is known for his strong diplomatic ties with Russia, stemming from his roles in international sports. In late December 2025, he was the primary official to welcome a Russian delegation delivering military equipment to the island, signaling a shift in Madagascar’s foreign policy away from French influence.
The “Judo” Statesman
Siteny’s rise to power is unconventional, rooted in his dominance of the sporting world:
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The Judo Chief: He has served as the president of the Malagasy Judo Federation since 2010 and currently leads the African Judo Union. His international network, particularly within the International Olympic Committee, has provided him with significant “soft power” that he translated into political capital.
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The 2023 “Mihava” Tour: Before the 2023 elections, Siteny conducted a massive “listening tour” across the island, utilizing helicopters and the color yellow to symbolize a “new dawn.” Although he officially boycotted the final vote along with other opposition members, he still garnered 14% of the vote, cementing his status as a national leader.
Rivalry with the “Old Guard”
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Against Rajoelina: Siteny was the first to legally challenge Rajoelina’s 2023 victory, alleging massive fraud. During the Gen Z protests of 2025, he was the primary parliamentary voice calling for the military to “protect the people” rather than the presidency.
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Denying “Mpisolelaka” (Sycophancy): On January 9, 2026, he publicly refuted rumors of an alliance with the exiled billionaire Mamy Ravatomanga, stating, “I am not a sycophant.” He claimed credit for initiating the legal proceedings that led to the attempted arrest of Ravatomanga in Mauritius.
2026 Outlook: The Road to 2027
In early 2026, Siteny is effectively the “civilian face” of the military-backed government.
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Presidential Ambitions: Most analysts believe Siteny is the frontrunner for the 2027 Presidential Elections. His current role as Speaker allows him to stay in the public eye while avoiding the direct blame for the economic hardships being managed by the military council.
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The Balancing Act: His challenge in 2026 is to keep the “Gen Z” protesters on his side. While they cheered Rajoelina’s fall, they are increasingly wary of any “old guard” politician taking over. Siteny is betting that his focus on “health as the first wealth” and utility reform will bridge that gap.