Algerian PM struggles to fill govt in Bouteflika backlash
Posted March 18, 2019 7:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ALGIERS, Algeria — New Algerian Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui is having trouble filling his cabinet as candidates don’t want to associate themselves with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the target of monthlong nationwide protests.
Public doctors union boss Lyes Merabet declined a meeting on forming the new government, saying Monday “we are for a total break” with 82-year-old Bouteflika, who has been accused of flouting the constitution by indefinitely delaying April’s elections in a desperate bid to cling to power.
Education union member Meziane Meriane also declined a meeting with Bedoui, explaining “we cannot reasonably be in a government that is condemned by the people.”
Bedoui was appointed last week and promised to create a government within days and to respond to the demands of protesting youth who are increasingly calling for Bouteflika to step down.
The Associated Press
