(Xinhua) -- The new Madagascan transitional prime minister officially took office on Friday in the Madagascan capital of Antananarivo during a handover ceremony.

Eugene Regis Mangalaza, 59, was appointed by representatives of four political camps, each led by current president Andry Rajoelina, and former presidents Marc Ravalomanana, Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy on October 6 in Antananarivo, as transitional prime minister to replace Monja Roindefo appointed by Rajoelina on February 7.

Having snubbed the prime minister palace for almost a month, outgoing Prime Minister Roindefo peacefully left his office for Mangalaza, organizing on Friday a fellowship handover ceremony attended by diplomatic corps members.

In his speech at the ceremony in the palace, Roindefo congratulated his successor for his acceptance to hold the power transfer conforming the "Republican legislation".

"This is a first step to ensure the return to constitutional order, international recognition and technical assistance and financial partners," he said.

Roindefo added that a big responsibility waited Mangalaza, especially because Malagasy people claimed a credible and transparent election during the popular demonstrations which led to the political crisis in the country.

At the age of 44, Roindefo concluded the speech by saying that a statesman had not any retirement and now it was the best time for him to serve his country.

Despite owning a Ph.D. in social anthropology and another doctorate in philosophy, the new prime minister was candid to say in his first address to the nation that his responsibility was difficult because he did not choose members of his government.

According to Mangalaza who is from Ratsiraka's camp, he would not want to aggravate the political situation in Madagascar and agreed to lead a government whose members are appointed by the four parties.

However, he told his future ministers that after being appointed they should not keep in mind their own political camps, but work for the government, adding idlers would be replaced.

"The aim of this government of national unity is preparing for elections, laws on the practice of politics in Madagascar, during 12 months instead of 15 months (planned by the agreement of four stakeholders on August 6 in Maputo, Mozambique)", said the new Madagascan prime minister.

He said that ministers of the government would be soon announced to begin resolving the political crisis that began in December last year.