AREMA : party no longer of one mind, divides into two camps.

AREMA splits into 2 differing camps. The schism was inevitable. The division was confirmed during the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the party founded by ex-president Didier Ratsiraka. The head of this schism Pierre Raharijaona, who previously held office as deputy has founded AREMA MATOTRA. Midi headline says,? Arema Matotra led by Pierre Raharijaona is tough. He does not foresee a meeting of the minds with Arema any time soon and it?s not in his plans anyway. He proved this by holding his own 30th anniversary party while the official Arema was holding the official celebration at the Panorama Hotel.?  Matera states,? Pierre Raharijaona states that HIS party will make plain their intentions about the 2007 presidential race in the course of a mini national congress to be held in July. One week prior to the 30th anniversary celebrations by Arema Matotra, the majority of party leaders had already celebrated this same anniversary. Pierre Raharijaona, previously a faithful defender of the Ratsiraka regime, has decided to break with the party line and follow his own path. His daughter works closely with the Malagasy first lady, Lalao Ravalomanana, while his son in law presently occupies the position of Minister of Telecommunications.