Algerians stage fresh protests as Bouteflika eyes 5th term

Thousands of people have staged new rallies in the Algerian capital and other cities to demand that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika abandon his plan to stand for a fifth term in the upcoming election.

Thousands took part in new protests in Algiers and other cities on Sunday to protest another re-election bid by Bouteflika, 82, who has been in poor health for years.

In Algiers, violence erupted between riot police and the demonstrators when some of the latter tried to march on the government palace, which houses the prime minister’s office. They held placards with anti-government messages and chanted slogans such as “Bouteflika go away!” “No to a fifth term!” and “A free and democratic Algeria!”

Police deployed massively around the palace, and the road leading to it was blocked. Police also fired tear gas and used batons to disperse the protesters.

Hundreds of students also gathered at several universities, one of them near the Constitutional Council where presidential candidates file their papers for the election. Police prevented the students from leaving the campus nearby, keeping the main gates shut. But some students were later seen marching outside.

“We will not stop until we get rid of this system,” said a 23-year-old student, who introduced himself as Aicha.

Similar protests were held in Algeria’s second and third cities, namely Oran and Constantine, as well as in Bouira, Skida, and Gelma in the east, and Tiaret and Mostaganem in the southwest.

According to Algerian security sources, police fired water cannon at students protesting in Algiers on Sunday.

Security forces also dispersed the demonstrators who had been marching towards the Constitutional Council, where political hopefuls must formally submit their candidacy by midnight (2300 GMT).

Protesters have been mobilized by calls on social media, which have resonated with young Algerians.

Protesters slam Bouteflika's presidential bid in France

Meanwhile, at least 2,000 demonstrators took to streets in Paris and other French cities to protest Bouteflika's bid to stand for a fifth term in office.

According to AFP, hundreds of demonstrators from Algerian decent gathered in the Place de la Republique, in central Paris, waving their national flag and shouting, "out, out." 

"No to the mandate of shame, 20 years is enough," proclaimed one placard.

Since gaining independence from France in 1962, "Algeria has been run by the same group of men, the same system," Abderrahmane Hamirouche, an IT specialist told AFP, adding, "Algeria is ruined while it's a country that potentially could be rich. What is there left for future generations?" 

About 1,000 people turned out in the southern port city of Marseille, many wearing the Algerian flag over their shoulders.

Meanwhile, almost 100 people gathered in the center of the southwestern city of Toulouse, carrying placards saying "No to a fifth term."

"We want the 40 thieves to go. They have gone too far," said a 54-year-old Algerian who gave his name as Asri.

The latest protests come as Bouteflika was due to submit his official election papers at the Council in Algiers on Sunday, the deadline for candidates. The president, who was on the weekend still in Switzerland for medical checks, does not need to do so in person, however.

Bouteflika’s announcement in February that he would seek another term has sparked angry protests. The incumbent announced his plan to seek a new term in the April 18 presidential election in spite of doubts over his health condition.

PressTV-Algeria’s Bouteflika to seek fifth presidential term

Algeria's ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is to seek a fifth term in April elections despite health issues that have kept him largely out of the public eye for years.

He has been seen in public only a few times since he suffered a stroke in 2013.

Algeria’s divided opposition and civic groups have called for more protests against his 20-year rule if he proceeds to seek another term.

He has not addressed the protests against him — the biggest since the 2011 uprisings that ousted long-time entrenched rulers in a number of Arab countries.

Opponents say that Bouteflika is no longer fit to lead, citing his poor health and what they call chronic corruption and a lack of economic reform to tackle unemployment.

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