Algeria
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic largely halted a yearlong mass protest movement in early 2020, but questions remain about the future of Algeria's political system. Defining features have included a strong presidency and security apparatus, a state-centric economy with an oligarchic business class, and social welfare programs fueled by oil and natural gas revenues. In early 2019, then-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced to abandon his reelection bid, and then to resign, amid swelling protests and a public withdrawal of support from then-chief of defense staff General Ahmed Gaid Salah. Senate leader Abdelkader Bensalah became interim head of state pending elections for a new president, consistent with the constitution, although the vote was delayed past constitutional timelines. Gaid Salah then appeared to consolidate influence at the expense of the powerful and sometimes rival military intelligence service (which Bouteflika had brought under the presidency's control) and of top business and ruling party figures, many of whom were prosecuted on corruption or national security grounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1171873
Entities
People
- Alexis Arieff
Organizations
- Library of Congress