Algerians have protested against their head of state for about three weeks. Now Abdelaziz Bouteflika is returning to Switzerland for medical treatment – a torn country in turmoil.
After about two weeks of medical treatment in Switzerland, Algeria’s decrepit President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has made his way home. There, a power struggle awaits him for his renewed candidacy.
An Algerian government aircraft lifted Flight Radar from Geneva airport on Sunday, according to the service. On board is the president, said a spokesman Bouteflikas the news agency dpa.
The protests against Bouteflika did not stop at the weekend. On Sunday, many businesses and corporate employees went on a general strike in several cities in the North African country. In Algiers numerous shops and markets remained closed. Whole streets were deserted.
As Algerian media and activists reported, large state and private companies were also affected by the strike, such as the Cevital Group. Solidarity with the strikers, tweeted the company. In Algiers – as well as in the French capital Paris – there were protests.
The uprising is directed against another candidacy of the head of state in the presidential election on 18 April. Bouteflika has been in power for 20 years and is aiming for a fifth term. His opponents, however, no longer see him in a position to govern the country.
Since a heart attack, the 82-year-old sits in a wheelchair and has great problems speaking. Two weeks ago he had traveled to Geneva for medical examinations. His exact health is the subject of speculation.
A central role in the struggle for Bouteflika’s role is played by the military, one of the most important pillars of power in the country. Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah praised the „unity of army and people“ in a speech given by state television. Both have the same vision of the future. He did not mention the protests.
The demos started more than two weeks ago. On Friday, it had come in many cities in the country to the biggest mass protest against Bouteflika. In clashes, more than 200 people were injured in Algiers alone. The police used tear gas, stones and rubber bullets flew.
Officials spoke of „chaotic“ rioting and looting in the National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Art. Pictures showed burnt out rooms and destroyed showcases. 195 people were arrested.
