Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika issued a warning about potential "chaos" ahead of planned demonstrations against his bid for a fifth term, as public anger over his candidacy intensified. The 82-year-old leader, who has been absent from public view since a 2013 stroke, faces widespread criticism over his health and political viability.
A 2001 ban on large-scale protests has been repeatedly defied since February 10, with daily demonstrations in Algiers demanding his withdrawal from the April 18 election. Bouteflika's office cautioned that "insidious parties" might exploit the unrest, though the president did not directly address calls for his resignation.
Legal and civic groups have joined the opposition. Around 1,000 lawyers marched in Algiers, arguing Bouteflika's health disqualifies him from the ballot. They breached police barriers to confront the Constitutional Council, which must finalize candidate approvals by March 14. A Bar Association of Algiers lawyer called the president's re-election bid "inadmissible" due to his inability to provide a valid medical certificate.
Algeria's medical association emphasized that health documents for presidential candidates must adhere to ethical standards, requiring certification by licensed physicians. Bouteflika's campaign team dismissed concerns, claiming his Swiss medical exams were nearing completion.
Protesters have maintained daily demonstrations since February 10, drawing participation from diverse segments of society. Journalists also gathered at Press Freedom Square, protesting alleged pressure on media coverage of the protests. Two Arabic newspapers, Echorouk and El-Bilad, reported losing public advertising as retaliation for their reporting on the demonstrations.
