ALGIERS, April 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of protesters rejected the Algerian parliament’s choice of an interim president after the resignation of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, demanding radical change after decades of domination by the ailing leader’s inner circle.
The appointment of upper house chairman Abdelkader Bensalah accords with Algeria’s constitution but many people oppose him because he is part of a ruling caste that has dominated Algeria since independence from France in 1962.
The choice of Bensalah angered many as protests grew in central Algiers.
“I thank the army and all security services for their work,” Bensalah said.
According to the Algerian constitution, Bensalah will remain interim president until new elections are held.
“We must work to allow the Algerian people to elect their president as soon as possible,” Bensalah told parliament. — NNN-AGENCIES
