Opposition Supporters Try to Install Own Cabinet

Thousands of supporters of Madagascar’s opposition leader and self-declared president swarmed government ministries in an attempt to install alternative Cabinet ministers.

As the protests grew to include 10 ministries, it was unclear whether the alternative Cabinet had in effect taken office. Soldiers guarding the ministries did not prevent the alternative ministers from entering.

“This is a very big day,” said Marc Ravalomanana, mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, who proclaimed himself president last month.

President Didier Ratsiraka’s government has barely been functioning since an opposition-led strike began several weeks ago, keeping civil servants at home. His ministers were reportedly not at work Monday.