Le Point: fourth term ends Generals' ruling in Algeria

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s candidacy for a fourth term drew the attention of the French press. Le Point magazine considered that as a considerable development in the Algerian political life and an indicator of the end of military control of decision making.

In her article untitled ‘Algeria: Generals’ Time is over,’ Mireille Duteil talked about conditions of Bouteflika’s candidacy and noticed that the military institution’s role had become less strong.

“President Bouteflika’s candidacy is a farce but it shows that the Army which was against that is not the strongest one anymore,” said the journalist.

“In 2014, except Genetal Gaid Salah, Chief of Staff and a close person to the president, neither the Army nor security forces wished a fourth term. Yet, he run for office,” she added.

She also said Bouteflika who is Algeria’s first civil president has been dreaming of taking back military men to their barracks since he reached power in 1999. He did that when he was re-elected in 2004. Chief of staff then, General Mohamed Lamari did not want Boutefliak’s second term. His candidate was Ali Benflis, a former prime minister who compete with Bouteflika in the presidential elections. He won 6 percent of votes only. General Lamari was obliged to resign.

The French magazine believes that Bouteflika could not take away General Mediene, intelligence department chief. The two men have been playing cat and mouse game for 15 years.

“The intelligence department chief explained, via a long interview of retired general Hocine Benhadid that he did not want Bouteflika to run for office. Yet, the Army would not intervene of he did that,” it says.