Opposition parties refused to back the appointment of the seasoned establishment insider.
Algerian lawmakers appointed a regime stalwart as the country’s first new president in two decades Tuesday, dismaying protesters seeking sweeping change following the resignation of veteran leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
“I want to work towards fulfilling the interests of the people,” Bensalah, a trusted ally of Bouteflika, told parliament on taking up the 90-day interim presidency.Opposition parties refused to back the appointment of the seasoned establishment insider and boycotted the session, as thousands of students protested against him in Algiers.For the first time in seven weeks police in the capital fired tear gas to try to disperse the protest by students, who were also hit with water cannon.
Ahead of the parliamentary session, an editorial in pro-government daily El Moudjahid on Tuesday suggested Bensalah should step aside from the presidential post. The protest movement is calling for a new transitional framework that is committed to deep reforms and organising free elections.“He has to resign, it’s the voice of the people and the people must be right,” said 50-year-old Mourad, an entrepreneur who will protest Friday with his two young daughters.Algerians of all ages have rallied since late February against Bouteflika, who resigned a week ago after efforts to appease demonstrators proved fruitless.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Algerian leader Bouteflika ends 20-year rule after mass protestsState TV later showed a frail-looking Bouteflika, dressed in a traditional winter robe, handing his resignation letter to the head of a constitutional council.
Read more »
'Heartbreaking' end to Bouteflika's reign, but the 'mood had changed' - Sisulu'Heartbreaking' end to Bouteflika's reign, but the 'mood had changed' - Sisulu | carienduplessis
Read more »
Algeria MPs elect Abdelkader Bensalah as first new president in 20 years | IOL NewsLawmakers named the speaker of the upper house as Algeria's first new president in two decades Tuesday, state television reported.
Read more »
Baby Daniel's killer gets life in prison, mother handed 20 years for neglectJUST IN: Baby Daniel's killer gets life in prison, mother handed 20 years for neglect | CannyMaphanga
Read more »
Baby Daniel sentencing: Mother gets 20 years, life term for her boyfriendALERT: The High Court in Johannesburg has sentenced Baby Daniel’s mother to 20 years in prison and her boyfriend has been sentenced to life in prison.
Read more »
Life imprisonment for Baby Daniel’s stepfather, mother gets 20 years for neglectThe stepfather is alleged to have killed the boy while his mother was away.
Read more »
Life behind bars for Baby Daniel's killer, 20 years for his motherTim Naidoo*, convicted of killing his girlfriend's son, Baby Daniel, was on Wednesday sentenced to life behind bars for the toddler's murder.
Read more »
Man, 20, killed by his own dogsBester Maree from ACSU Security recalls a vicious scene in which a 20-year-old Ermelo resident was attacked and killed by his own dogs.
Read more »