In February 2004, the country experienced a "coup d'état" which saw the removal and exile of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide; Breaking with the Haitian constitution a "council of the wise" was set up by the international powers to choose a new Prime Minister. Latortue was selected by the Council and appointed head of the interim government on 9 March while still living in the United States, and was sworn in on 12 March.