Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called for the dissolution of parliament and early legislative elections on Thursday. In an address to the nation, the Head of State expressed his decision to carry out ministerial reshuffle within 48 hours at most.
He announced:
“I have decided to dissolve the National People’s Assembly to call for elections that are free of money, whether it comes from corruption or not, and to open the doors to young people.”
Algerian President #Tebboune announces dissolution of parliament,early legislative elections and the releases of political prisoners,only days before the #Hirak is expected to return to the streets #Algeria
— Sofian Philip Naceur (@SofianNaceur) February 18, 2021
Tebboune also announced an amnesty for dozens of jailed activists of the ‘Hirak’ protest movement — which swept former strongman Abdelaziz Bouteflika from power in 2019.
The leader stated that around 30 members will be granted a presidential pardon.
“I decided to grant presidential pardon to about thirty people, for whom a decision had been given and others for whom no verdict had been reached. Between 55 and 60 people will be joining their families from this evening or tomorrow.”
#Algeria 🇩🇿: for the first time in months thousands of Algerian protesters are out again.
They've gathered in the town of #Kherrata to mark the second anniversary of the #Hirak movement pic.twitter.com/c0wfNS7xgZ
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) February 16, 2021
Tebboune, who has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the cabinet of Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad, made the announcements as the North African nation’s government faces multiple challenges — political and economic crises compounded by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
