Algeria's National Liberation Front (FLN) party has decided to freeze its activities in the People's National Assembly (APN) until the withdrawal of its president, Mouad Bouchareb. The move comes after Bouchareb was asked by his peers to step down from his position. The FLN parliamentary group said in a statement that it had met to discuss the recent developments in the Hirak popular movement's demand for Bouchareb's resignation.
The FLN group called on Bouchareb to respond immediately to the demand and withdraw from his position as president of the Assembly, in line with popular demands. This demand aims to preserve stability and cohesion, while respecting the party's statutes and internal regulations. The party's elected officials are required to respect the party's leadership and follow its orientations.
The demand for Bouchareb's resignation comes after a meeting between the APN's vice-presidents and permanent commission chairs with the Assembly president on May 8. Additionally, the FLN parliamentary group met under the leadership of its Secretary-General, Mohamed Djemiai, who explicitly called on Bouchareb to respond to the Hirak movement's demands and resign as president.
Djemiai stated in an interview with TSA that Bouchareb's departure is an irreversible requirement, and that the party had promised to respond positively to the legitimate demands of the popular movement. He acknowledged that the party had previously supported Bouchareb's appointment but said that this was due to orders received from former party leader Ould Abbas.
Djemiai also mentioned that there were extra-constitutional forces interfering in the work of the FLN and APN. He expressed support for the military institution, saying it advocates for a constitutional exit from the crisis to prevent the country from entering uncertain times. The FLN party is against a transition, which it believes has proven ineffective and dangerous in several countries.
Djemiai emphasized the need for a constructive dialogue and a solution within a constitutional framework. He suggested that innovations could be made within the Constitution to find solutions through consultations with constitutionalists. Regarding the presidential election scheduled for July 4, Djemiai stated that it cannot be held without an independent commission for organization and supervision of elections, as well as a revision of the electoral law.
Djemiai indicated that the party could consider delaying the presidential election, but not by much, and that mechanisms need to be found to organize elections that meet the demands of the popular movement. The FLN party's decisions reflect its efforts to address the country's current challenges and respond to popular demands for change.
Key points
- The FLN party has frozen its activities in the APN until the withdrawal of President Mouad Bouchareb.
- The party demands Bouchareb's resignation to preserve stability and cohesion.
- The FLN supports the military institution and advocates for a constitutional exit from the crisis.
