Algerians marked the seventh consecutive Friday of protests, with demonstrations taking place in Algiers and other parts of the country. The protests began on February 22, and despite the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the people remain determined to push for real change. The focus has shifted to implementing Article 8 of the Constitution, which states that the constituent power belongs to the people. The protesters want to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders and shape the country's future.
The Algerian Parliament is set to convene to validate the vacancy of the presidency and designate an interim leader. However, the protesters and various political parties and personalities are calling for a radical change, including the departure of key figures such as interim President Abdelkader Bensalah, Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui, and Interior Minister Salah Belaiz. The protesters' slogans, including the call to replace the "3Bs," indicate a desire for a comprehensive transformation of the country's leadership.
The Algerian military, led by Chief of Staff Gaïd Salah, has contributed to Bouteflika's resignation and is insisting on respecting the Constitution. However, the protesters and other stakeholders reject the idea of Bensalah, Belaiz, or Bedoui leading the transition. The military's stance on adhering to the Constitution, particularly Article 102, is at odds with the protesters' demands. This impasse may prolong the protests and create uncertainty about the transition process.
The protesters are calling for the transition to be led by a council designated by the people, which would be protected by the military. Journalist and writer Nordine Grim tweeted that the seventh Friday of protests was the most massive so far, with a clear message to Gaïd Salah: the transition should not be led by Bensalah, Belaiz, or Bedoui. The protesters want the military to support their demands and protect their rights during the transition.
Gaïd Salah has emphasized the Algerian People's National Army's (ANP) commitment to the people and its role in protecting them. However, he is constrained by the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers, which prohibits him from making political decisions. The ANP's role is to support the people's demands, not to impose its own vision for the transition.
The protesters have expressed their attachment to the military, with slogans such as "Djeich – chaâb, khawa khawa" (army – people, brothers). However, they want the military to protect them and not impose its own approach to the transition. Some observers hope that the dissolution of the two chambers of Parliament will facilitate the transition process, but there is no indication that this will happen soon.
The transition period, which is expected to last 90 days, remains uncertain. The nomination of Belaiz, a contested figure, as interim president and Bedoui, also criticized, as prime minister, has not alleviated concerns. The dissolution of the three institutions of the state, demanded by the people, could allow the High Security Council to intervene and appoint neutral figures to guide the transition and prepare for a presidential election.
Key points
- The Algerian protesters are demanding a radical change in leadership, rejecting potential interim leaders such as Abdelkader Bensalah, Salah Belaiz, and Noureddine Bedoui.
- The military, led by Gaïd Salah, is insisting on respecting the Constitution, but its stance is at odds with the protesters' demands.
- The transition process is uncertain, with various scenarios possible, including the dissolution of Parliament and the appointment of neutral figures to guide the transition.
