Again massive protest in Algeria despite large police force

In Algeria, thousands of people have taken to the streets again against the new presidential candidacy of the elderly state leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Eyewitnesses and journalists reported today about demonstrations in the center of the capital Algiers.

The demonstrators went to the central Audinplein. A large police force, however, barred the streets to prevent the demonstrators from continuing.

In other cities in the North African country, demonstrations also took place, as activists reported on social media. The demonstrations are mainly carried out by students.

In recent days, thousands of people in many Algerian cities protested against the new Bouteflika candidacy. The 82-year-old politician wants to be re-elected on April 18 for a fifth term. After being struck by a stroke in 2013, he was confined to a wheelchair and had great difficulty in speaking. He only rarely appears in public. He did not show up before the official announcement of his candidacy. According to the media, he is in medical research in Geneva. Bouteflika had Sunday officially announced his candidacy with the promise that he would not govern a full term of office and implement reforms. Critics accuse the Algerian leaders of clientelism and corruption.

The largest area in Africa depends on oil and gas exports and is suffering from an economic crisis due to low energy prices. Unemployment has risen sharply in recent years. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), more than 25 percent of the younger generation is unemployed.