Political earthquake in Algeria

[PSOL]

Ruling FLN and Army sides with the protestors

Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah said that a month of demonstrations had been “marked by the deeds of noble aims and pure intentions, through which the Algerian people has clearly expressed its values ​​and principles of sincere and dedicated work to Allah and the motherland”.

The comments, made on Tuesday during a tour of a military district and carried by Algerian media on Wednesday, were the clearest signal yet that the army was distancing itself from the ailing Bouteflika, in power for 20 years.

The ruling National Liberation Front party, known by its French acronym FLN, also sided with the protesters after a meeting of its top officials.

“FLN fully supports the popular protest movement,” the APS state news agency quoted FLN leader Moad Bouchared as saying.

The party also called for negotiations to ensure stability in Algeria, a major oil and gas producer.

The news is surprising ,to say the least. I would have expected Bouteflika to have more control over his Army and Party to circumvent any challenge at the worst of times. Seems like the Army understands that ending up like Syria is not a good option. The question now is will Algeria transition into a democracy like Tunisia, or will the Army put their guy on top like Zimbabwe.

[PSOL]

Hundreds of thousands march against Bouteflika in largest protests to date since the protest started six weeks ago.

Hoping the Algerian people wise up and keep the momentum going unlike in Zimbabwe.

[PSOL]

Thousands of Algerian protestors march on the streets against interim leadership

...“Appointing Bensalah will fuel anger and it could radicalize the protesters,” said taxi driver Hassen Rahmine as crowds gathered in central Algiers.

At one point, police briefly turned water cannon to disperse protesters.

Mass protests have led to the disintegration of what has been described as the ruling elite’s “fortress” - veterans of the war of independence against France, ruling party figures, businessmen, the army and labor unions.

But Algerians have been pushing for more radical change since Bouteflika’s allies abandoned him in the weeks leading up to his resignation last week.

They are unwilling to compromise in their demand for a new generation of leaders in the North African country, which has failed to create jobs and improve living standards despite vast oil and natural gas resources...

[PSOL]

Algeria's army chief says elections are best way out of crisis

Hopefully the Algerian people reject this ploy to maintain the Army’s power. Seems like the world has learned after Egypt that elections won’t do anything if those on the top are still there.