Algeria’s President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Sunday named a new government with Prime Minister, Noureddine Bedoui heading it.
Local media reports that 27 other ministers were also named as part of the new government.
The country’s army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah was also retained as deputy defence minister despite calling for Bouteflika to step down.
After protests on Friday, Gaid Salah renewed his call for Boutflika to step down on Saturday.
Signal to resign?
The naming of a new cabinet by the president according to some, signals the possibility of he exiting.
Private local media Ennahar TV has reported that it’s political sources claim Bouteflika will resign on Tuesday.
El Bilad TV has also quoted unnamed sources that said Bouteflika intends quitting this week.
Article 102 of the Algerian constitution allows the President to quit or face the verdict of the constitutional council whether he is still fit for office.
Reuters reports that it’s political sources claim Bouteflika naming his cabinet might signal that he “could resign, as a caretaker president cannot name Cabinets.”
The demand for Bouteflika’s exit has been growing for weeks now as he continues to cling on to power.
Elections were supposed to have taken place this month to choose a new president.
Bouteflika had filed to contest that election but rescinded his decision at the peak of protests.
He then called for the suspension of the elections. Many were hoping he will let go the presidency in order to restore calm to the country.
Clinging on to power
But there is no clear signal the 82 year old leader wants to leave power immediately and allow for fresh elections to pick his successor.
President Bouteflika is confined to a wheel-chair and medically unwell.
Bouteflika reportedly suffered stroke in 2013 and hardly makes public appearances. He has been in power for 20 years now.
Source: Africafeeds.com
