The MTS mayor has not witnessed such a wave of violence in 30 years of elected office. The Madagascar deputy has much to say about the burning issues of the day whose shockwaves are shaking the entire country. Midi Madagasikara: What do you have to say about the surge in violent acts? Roland Ratsiraka: "This is an unprecedented wave of violence that is devastating all Malagasy people. Madagascar is going through a particularly dark period today. Kidnappings, disappearances, and murders are multiplying under sometimes inexplicable and unbearable conditions. The series of murders affecting, among others, albinos, deeply shocks our collective conscience. Information reporting over 250 victims and several arrests, including that of a foreign national, demonstrates the scale of this tragedy. Faced with this situation, the State itself appears confronted with a phenomenon of exceptional gravity, to the point of declaring a national day of mourning in tribute to the victims. I want to express my full solidarity and support to the bereaved families. In 30 years of elected office, I have never faced such a series of crimes so odious, cowardly, and indescribable." Midi: Some do not hesitate to point the finger at the opposition. R.R.: "I have indeed heard certain accusations targeting the opposition. For my part, I refuse to believe that such acts could be committed for political purposes. I am not seeking to defend anyone, but the gravity of the facts leads me to think that we are facing a phenomenon that far exceeds political divisions. The entire Nation is today dismayed, including law enforcement and authorities. We must have the courage to question the root causes of this rise in violence. When observing societies facing similar phenomena, several factors regularly emerge: the alarming progression of drug consumption, alcoholism, but also the constant normalization of violence through certain audiovisual content. A fully lucid person cannot easily commit so many atrocities with such barbarity." Midi: What solution do you propose to end this? R.R.: "I have no miracle solution. However, I am convinced that the fight against drugs must become a national priority. We must also engage in collective reflection on the normalization of violence in our society. Finally, I commend the authorities' decision to encourage and reward people who provide information to identify the masterminds and/or perpetrators of these crimes. In this fight against violence, every citizen can contribute to saving lives." Midi: The demolition of several houses in Toamasina II is also shaking the political sphere. R.R.: "During my career, both as mayor and as minister of public works, I have conducted numerous expropriation and land clearance operations. Thousands of people were affected. Yet, I have never resorted to law enforcement. Two principles have always guided my action: the first is to take time to negotiate. Depending on situations, these discussions can sometimes last between six months and two years. The second principle is to always seek fair compensation, whether financial, land-based, or a combination of both. This method has always allowed these operations to proceed calmly and with respect for the dignity of those concerned." Midi: Were you consulted even though you are not an elected official of Toamasina II? R.R.: "When the General Director of SPAT contacted me regarding Port Sec III, I explained the principles I just mentioned. I also reminded him that our city still bears the scars of damage caused by Cyclone Gezani, that it still suffers daily power cuts and growing insecurity. Such a context requires greater caution. Certainly, the approximately 300 occupants of SPAT land are legally in an irregular situation for several decades. Some obtained titles more or less contested and contestable, sometimes through dysfunctions and corruption involving certain land and judicial services. The land belongs to SPAT and the Port Sec project has been known since the early 2000s. However, SPAT should have more actively defended its rights over the years by regularly reminding occupants and courts of its ownership status. This lack of follow-up contributed to the current situation."