Algeria: Protesters Call Bouteflika to Quit

By Staff, Agencies

Hundreds of Algerians protested in central Algiers Friday in the biggest demonstration against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s 20-year rule since unrest began last month.

Protesters crammed streets and squares in the capital after Friday prayers, many draped in Algeria’s red, green and white flag. Demonstrations also took place in Bejaia, Oran, Batna, Tizi Ouzou and other cities.

The crowd was estimated at hundreds of thousands of people but there was no police estimate. The number fell to thousands by late afternoon and no clashes were reported.

Bouteflika Monday reversed a decision to stand for another term after weeks of demonstrations against him but he stopped short of relinquishing office and said he would stay on until a new constitution is adopted.

Algerians quickly rejected his offer and demanded that the 82-year-old president hands over power to a young generation of leaders who can create jobs and stamp out corruption

Bouteflika has been losing allies in recent days since returning from medical treatment in Switzerland.

A senior FLN figure said in an interview Thursday night the long-ruling president was “history now.” The remarks by Hocine Kheldoun to Ennahar television were another setback for Bouteflika, who hoped to pacify Algerians by promising to take steps to change a political landscape that has been dominated by a ruling elite for decades.