End to the confrontation in presidential elections related debates

Economic relations and military cooperation

Rajoelina’s minion appeared more condescend to investors in general than his master to the operating mining companies. Hery Rajaonarimampianina may advocate continuity in state matters, does however keep away from taunting the low returns received by the Malagasy State from the exploitation of its natural though non renewable resources.

This first onslaught against the former Ravalomanana ruling power did not remain long unanswered. Jean Louis Robinson rationally responded and warned against the potential damages to be wrought by a foolish excess of nationalism:”These major mining companies have been investing billions into research and studies over dozens of years before tackling the exploitation phases. They consequently need time to make up for their investments before any renewed round of negotiations of deals, and, in accordance with international standards, it is fair to let them recover”

Which one of them will be able to attract the largest number of investors and recover the lost financial backers? Hery Rajaonarimampianina appeared quite indecently presumptuous, leaving his rival free to reply with skepticism and remind that the eviction from the AGOA program and the resulting loss of 300 000 directly and more than 1.5 million indirectly related jobs are owed to the ruling power’s deeds.

Next to this, Madagascar’s membership in regional and continental organizations has been addressed, more specifically the country’s military contribution to peace keeping operations. No wonder, the debate’s animator hired by the national TV station happens to be a general and specialist in international relations.

Both candidates were invited to reveal their respective favorite foreign bilateral partners. No surprise emerged. Jean Louis Robinson’s trend is pointing towards Anglo-Saxon countries and English speaking African countries, just that of Marc Ravalomanana was. Hery Rajaonarimampianina  appeared more conciliating towards the BRICK-countries known for having supported Andry Rajoelina in spite of his international isolation because of the year 2009’s putsch.

Which one of them is for France?

Who will obtain France’s favor, was one of the major questions of the evening. No, Andry Rajoelina has quit being Paris’ man since a new ruling power took charge in France. This new ruling power even clearly voiced its opposition to Rajoelina’s pending presidential candidacy. The new French ruling power does not to assume its predecessor’s errors and dirt its hands with ties with leading putsch making figures anywhere any longer. In the current presidential showdown, the year 2009’s putsch making leader does not forcibly boost victory prospects for Hery Rajaonarimampianina, he who has been serving him as loyal chancellor of the checker ever since.

Although some of the first round’s candidates tolerated by Paris joined his political sphere’s ranks, the HERY VAOVAO party may not expect any fair support from France. At worse, it would even dread a likely new alliance between the current French ruling power and an incoming President Jean Louis Robinson. Hery Rajaonarimampianina voice an objection on possible conflict of interests, considering that his rival has both French and Malagasy citizenships and happens to be part of the French socialist party as well.

From this evening’s diplomacy focused debate emerged the strong ties between France and Jean Louis Robinson’s family. The candidate is the offspring of a French officer who married a Merina princess. Robinson easily dodged the Manchurian candidate trap by mentioning a certain amount of Chinese contribution to his DNA, if at all in this sense, making him even more diplomatically opened to foreign cooperation. Without dropping any pound of cold blood, he also revealed his membership in a Grand Lodge, which is nothing uncommon among major politicians around the world.

Jean Louis Robinson conceded a significant stand back from his freemasonry and French politics related activities since his commitment to national matters recovered the front scene. His rival keeps on insisting on the spectrum of the Manchurian candidate to torpedo Robinson. Would Hery Rajaonarimampianina really expect any shadow of support from France ruled by a socialist government composed with many Masons from Lodges’ fraternities?