Algerian Opposition Party FFS Withdraws from Parliament

The Algerian opposition party, Front des Forces socialistes (FFS), has announced its decision to withdraw its deputies and senators from the National People's Assembly (APN) and the Senate. According to Hakim Belahcel, the new first secretary of the FFS, the party's national leadership has instructed its parliamentarians to submit their resignations by the end of the week. This move comes after the party's decision to withdraw from parliament was made public over a week ago.

The FFS had previously participated in the 2012 and 2017 legislative elections as part of a tactical move to influence the political landscape. At the time, the party believed that its participation was necessary to prevent the destabilization of the state and to promote a more democratic environment. However, according to Belahcel, the current situation in Algeria has changed, with widespread protests calling for the dissolution of institutions seen as part of the current regime.

The ongoing protests in Algeria, which began as a response to the government's handling of the economy and corruption, have evolved into a broader movement demanding the overthrow of the current regime. The FFS has aligned itself with the protesters' demands, which include the election of a sovereign constituent assembly to pave the way for a new republic. The party's decision to withdraw from parliament is seen as a key step in supporting the protesters' goals.

The FFS's decision to withdraw from parliament follows similar moves by other politicians, including Ali Laskri, the coordinator of the presidential instance, who has already officialized his resignation. Laskri is the third parliamentarian to renounce their mandate in protest against the system, following Feroukhi, the former minister of fishing, and Khaled Tazaghart from Béjaïa.

Hakim Belahcel explained that the FFS's participation in previous elections was motivated by a desire to prevent the country's descent into chaos and to promote a more stable and democratic environment. However, with the current protests calling for a fundamental change in the system, the party has decided to take a different approach. The FFS's withdrawal from parliament is seen as a significant move in the ongoing crisis.

The FFS's decision to withdraw from parliament has been seen as a bold move, which could potentially influence other opposition parties to take similar steps. The party's commitment to supporting the protesters' demands has been welcomed by many, who see it as a sign of the party's willingness to take a stand against the current regime.

The situation in Algeria remains fluid, with protests continuing to take place across the country. The FFS's withdrawal from parliament is just one of many developments in the ongoing crisis, which has seen widespread calls for reform and a more democratic government. The party's actions will likely be closely watched in the coming days and weeks as the situation continues to unfold.

Key points

• The FFS's decision to withdraw from parliament is a significant move in the ongoing protests against the Algerian government.
• The party's participation in previous elections was motivated by a desire to prevent the country's descent into chaos and to promote a more stable and democratic environment.
• The FFS's withdrawal from parliament follows similar moves by other politicians, who have renounced their mandates in protest against the system.