AbdulAziz Bouteflika’s resignation comes after weeks of mass protests. This resignation is a final bow to weeks of protest and popular discontent including marches and rallies.
Bouteflika who had been in power for 20 years, had already dropped plans to seek a fifth term as opposition to his rule grew and the Algerian army called for the 82-year-old to be declared incapable of carrying out his duties.
On Monday, the veteran ruler announced he would leave before his term expire at the end of the month.
There were suggestions that Bouteflika’s nomination of a caretaker government was a move to perpetuate the political system.
Popular opinion among citizens was that “Bouteflika’s decision to resign will change nothing,”.
As to the question of who will take over from Bouteflika, local media reports that Algerians do not want Said, Bouteflika’s brother and adviser but they do want a regime change.
