Algerian protesters have rejected the appointment of Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president of the country.
Bensalah who is the speaker of Algeria’s upper house parliament will now succeed President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
The 82 year old former leader resigned last week after succumbing to pressure from protesters.
Bouteflika’s exit however doesn’t excite protesters especially young people enough. They want more radical change.
They are demanding a total change in the current regime and Mr Bensalah’s appointment has not appeased them.
On Tuesday there were clashes between the protesters and security forces. Police had to use teargas to disperse protesters.
The demonstrators say they want Bensalah who is 77 years old to go even before he starts his interim presidency.
He is expected to be in power until the next presidential election. With continued protests he has pledged to work in the interests of the people.
Bensalah told members of parliament after he was appointed that “I need everyone during this period in our country to apply the constitution strictly, to work hard, faithfully and with dedication in order to return as soon as possible the word to the people.”
He will remain in office for 90 days.
Leaders of the protests fear if there is no political reform, people who represent the current regime will dominate the next election.
Source: Africafeeds.com
