Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is preparing to announce his resignation this week, local media said, after weeks of popular
The reports by Ennahar and El Bilad TV channels came on Sunday, a day after Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah renewed his call for the application of a provision in the Algerian constitution that could remove the president on account of his failing health.
Under article 102 of the constitution, the Constitutional Council can determine that a sitting president is no longer fit to assume his duties and, pending parliamentary approval, proceed to declare the presidency vacant.
“We must adopt a solution that helps us out of this crisis … a solution that respects and adheres to the constitution so that it’s a suitable one for all sides,” said Salah, who is also the deputy defence minister, in a televised address on Tuesday.
Algeria’s presidency on Sunday announced the formation of a new caretaker government headed by newly appointed Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui. Analysts believe that the reshuffle was done in anticipation of article 102’s activation, after which no changes can be made to the government until a presidential election is held.