Bouteflika announces run for office

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced Thursday he will run for a third term in April 9 elections at a rally in central Algiers attended by more than 5,000 people.

• Bouteflika said he would stand as an “independent,” pursue his policy of national reconciliation and “fight against terrorism with all necessary means” while leaving the door open to those who “repent.”
• During the rally, his supporters were holding up signs and shouting slogans such as ‘Bouteflika President’ and ‘Bouteflika, the common hope.’
• The president started his speech by cheering the audience before talking about his achievements during the two previous mandates.
• The candidate presented the main aspects of his third term which seems to be complementary to the existing economic and social developmental programme.
• Bouteflika promised that the people’s choice will be respected and he will not be president again only if the overwhelming majority of them votes for him.
• Appearing indifferent to the financial crisis, he promised to allocate $150 billion to development process and structural reforms in various sectors.
• He mentioned that there were problems which must be solved through certain measures to build strong economy.
• “The State will continue mobilising its resources in an intensive way along with investments,” he said.
• “Yes for the market economy. Still, the State’s role in regulating investments is necessary.”