Algeria’s interim president was quickly rejected by
thousands of protesters on Tuesday after he was named by parliament to take
charge during a volatile transition period after decades of autocratic rule, Reuters reported.
Replacing long-serving leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who
resigned last week, Abdelkader Bensalah is seen by protesters part of an ailing
and out-of-touch ruling caste that has dominated since independence from France
in 1962.
A long-time Bouteflika ally, Bensalah has been re-elected as
leader of the upper house since the early 2000s.
“Appointing Bensalah will fuel anger and it could radicalize
the protesters,” said taxi driver Hassen Rahmine as crowds gathered in central
Algiers.
At one point, police briefly turned water cannon to disperse
protesters.
Mass protests have led to the disintegration of what has
been described as the ruling elite’s “fortress” – veterans of the war of
independence against France, ruling party figures, businessmen, the army and
labor unions.
But Algerians have been pushing for more radical change
since Bouteflika’s allies abandoned him in the weeks leading up to his
resignation last week.
They are unwilling to compromise in their demand for a new
generation of leaders in the North African country, which has failed to create
jobs and improve living standards despite vast oil and natural gas resources.
“You go means you go,” read banners at the protest in
central Algiers, which ended in the late afternoon.
CRITICAL QUESTION
The critical question is how Algeria’s military – long seen
as a highly effective backstage player in politics – will react to Bensalah’s
appointment and any opposition that arises.
“I thank the army and all security services for their work,”
Bensalah told parliament after his appointment.
Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gaid Salah carefully
managed Bouteflika’s exit after declaring him unfit to stay in power and
expressed support for protesters, who have put up little resistance to the
military.
Hours after parliament made its choice, Salah said the
military will do more to ensure peace for the Algerian people, the state news
agency APS reported.
“All in all, the way in which the vacancy of the Presidency
of the Republic has been filled does not bring our country closer to the end of
the crisis,” said Ali Benflis, leader of the opposition Talae El Houriyet
party.
On stepping down, Bouteflika promised that elections would
be held after 90 days as part of a transition to usher in a new era.
According to the Algerian constitution, Bensalah will remain
interim president until new elections are held.
“We must work to allow the Algerian people to elect their
president as soon as possible,” Bensalah told parliament.
Out of a total of 604 MPS, only 470 lawmakers attended
today’s meeting.
“By maintaining the old guard like Bensalah, the system will
be responsible for any bad consequences. We will not give in,” said student
protester Djilali Chemime, 27.
