FLN: Belkhadem’s would-be successor Bouhara passes away

The National Liberation Front’s leading member Abderrezak Bouhara who died on Sunday at 79 of a heart attack had always been described as the “wise man.” He represented the balancing player in political internal conflicts and was called “the man of unanimity.” He was the most likely successor of Abdelaziz Belkhadem who has recently resigned as the FLN’s Secretary General.

 Bouhara’s death will be one of the reasons which will prolong the FLN’s crisis as it will remain without a head after Belkhadem’s departure through voting.

Earlier, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika renewed confidence in Bouhara to be member in the Council of the Nation (Senate). During the internal conflict, he refused to back people against others inside the party.

In 2001, he did not join any side when the FLN’s leader Bouaalam Ben Hamouda was toppled and succeeded by Ali Benflis.

In 2004’s presidential elections, Bouhara backed Bouteflika as he believed he supported legitimacy.

He had always believed in coexistence in spite of the conflicts inside the FLN. Although he was considered as backer of former head of government Mouloud Hamrouche and President Bouteflika, he refused to join opposition movement at the party. He was member of a notables’ commission and had the most chances to be the FLN’s leader until its tenth congress.

Shortly after Belkhadem’s resignation, Bouhara did not confirm whether he would succeed him or not. Yet, close sources said he would accept the position only if the FLN’s members unanimously agreed on that.