Ali Benflis, one of the four unsuccessful candidates in Algeria's December 12, 2019 presidential election, has announced his retirement from politics. The announcement was made at a farewell ceremony in Algiers attended by party cadres and sympathizers. Benflis stated that he had decided to step down and pass the torch to younger members of his party, Talaia El Hourriet. He garnered 10.55% of the vote in the recent presidential election.
Benflis' retirement marks the end of a three-decade-long career in various positions of responsibility. He previously served as a magistrate, lawyer, and bâtonnier before being appointed Minister of Justice in 1988. He held this position in the governments of Kasdi Merbah, Hamrouche, and Sid Ahmed Ghozali. As Minister of Justice, Benflis contributed to significant reforms during Algeria's democratic opening period following the October 5, 1988 events.
Benflis was dismissed from the government on July 21, 1991. He re-entered politics as a FLN deputy in the 1997 legislative elections. Two years later, he led Abdelaziz Bouteflika's presidential campaign in 1999. Benflis then held several key positions, including Secretary General of the Presidency, Director of the Presidential Cabinet, and Head of Government, until his dismissal in 2013.
Benflis ran for president twice before, in 2004 and 2014, both times losing to Abdelaziz Bouteflika. In 2004, he secured just over 6% of the vote, while in 2014, his score doubled to 12%. In 2015, Benflis founded his own party, Talaia El Hourriet, and positioned himself as an opponent of the regime. He participated in the December 12, 2019 presidential election for the third time.
Benflis finished third in the recent presidential election, behind Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who won with 58.15%, and Abdelkader Bengrina, who secured 17%. Tebboune's victory marked a significant shift in Algerian politics. Benflis' retirement comes after his party's performance in the election failed to meet expectations.
Throughout his career, Benflis has been associated with efforts to promote democracy and reform in Algeria. His decision to retire from politics may have implications for the country's opposition movement. Benflis turned 75 on September 8, 2019.
The farewell ceremony attended by Benflis' party members and supporters highlighted his contributions to Algerian politics. His legacy includes efforts to promote democratic reforms and his participation in several key government positions. Benflis' retirement marks the end of an era in Algerian politics.
Key points
- Ali Benflis announces retirement from Algerian politics after 30 years.
- Benflis finished third in the December 12, 2019 presidential election.
- Benflis founded his own party, Talaia El Hourriet, in 2015.
