A hostile crowd in Algeria insulted French President Emmanuel Macron and accused of him “humiliating” Paris by abandoning a walkabout.

During his Oran, Macron initially appeared to get a warm welcome but later he was forced to flee in a disaster after being placed in a highly tight situation after the crowd started abusing him.

Amid Macron's efforts to repair diplomatic relations with Algiers, experts have deemed the incident a major setback.

Dismissing claims that his real aim was to obtain more Algerian gas amid the energy crisis, Macron had touted the visit as an attempt to facilitate cooperation on problems such as immigration and the fight against terrorism.

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When it emerged that negotiations were underway to increase the supply of gas from Algeria to France, Macron's denials were undermined.

Joining 30,000 already in the country, Macron announced that an additional 8,000 Algerian students would be admitted to study in France this year.

Following 132 years of French rule and a devastating eight-year war, Macron's three-day visit to Algeria came less than two months after Algeria marked six decades of independence.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune withdrew his country's ambassador last year after Macron accused the government of fomenting "hatred towards France" and questioned Algeria's existence as a nation before the French occupation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A hostile crowd in Algeria insulted French President Emmanuel Macron and accused of him “humiliating” Paris by abandoning a walkabout. During his Oran, Macron initially appeared to get a warm welcome but later he was forced to flee in a disaster after being placed in a highly tight situation after the crowd started abusing him.

A hostile crowd in Algeria insulted French President Emmanuel Macron and accused of him “humiliating” Paris by abandoning a walkabout. During his Oran, Macron initially appeared to get a warm welcome but later he was forced to flee in a disaster after being placed in a highly tight situation after the crowd started abusing him. Amid Macron's efforts to repair diplomatic relations with Algiers, experts have deemed the incident a major setback. Dismissing claims that his real aim was to obtain more Algerian gas amid the energy crisis, Macron had touted the visit as an attempt to facilitate cooperation on problems such as immigration and the fight against terrorism. × When it emerged that negotiations were underway to increase the supply of gas from Algeria to France, Macron's denials were undermined. Joining 30,000 already in the country, Macron announced that an additional 8,000 Algerian students would be admitted to study in France this year. Following 132 years of French rule and a devastating eight-year war, Macron's three-day visit to Algeria came less than two months after Algeria marked six decades of independence. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune withdrew his country's ambassador last year after Macron accused the government of fomenting "hatred towards France" and questioned Algeria's existence as a nation before the French occupation. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Emmanuel Macron abandons walkout in Algeria, crowd accuses him of humiliating France

Algeria celebrates 60 years of its independence grom France on Tuesday (July 5) with a large military parade, but the tension between the two countries remains due to colonial era brutality. The gruelling eight-year war that brought freedom to the country was put to an end with the signing of the Evian Accords in March 1962. Authorities in Algiers on Friday closed a 16-kilometre (10 mile) stretch of a major artery so that the army could conduct final preparations for its parade, the first one in 33 years. Roads leading to the capital’s eastern suburbs have experienced severe backups as a result of the shutdown, AFP reported.

This procession will be presided over by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who will be accompanied by a number of international dignitaries, including Mahmud Abbas of Palestine, Kais Saeid of Tunisia, and Mohamed Bazoum of Niger.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-ditches-minister-accused-of-rape-in-cabinet-reshuffle-494380">Macron ditches minister accused of rape in cabinet reshuffle</a>

The government commissioned a logo consisting of a circle with 60 stars, including icons and tools, to commemorate "a glorious history and a new ear."

Slah Goudji, speaker of the upper house in an interview published by newspaper L’Expression on Monday (July 4), said, "There's no way we can forget or erase the human genocide, the cultural genocide, and the identity genocide of which colonial France remains guilty," reported by AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;French government announces new appointments, Macron seeks to balance power

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Algeria ultimately gained independence from colonial control on July 5, days after 99.72 per cent of its population supported it in a referendum. However, the 132-year occupation still has its impact on Algeria’s ties with France.

Thousands of people died during the battle for independence, but 60 years later, despite numerous overturns made by French President Emannuel Macron, France ruled out any kind of atonement for the colonial era.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-algerian-at-guantanamo-has-been-repatriated-467919">US says Algerian at Guantanamo has been repatriated</a>

The relationship between both countries reached a low point last year after Macron allegedly questioned Algeria if ever been as a country prior to the French invasion and accused its "political military establishment" of rewriting the history and inciting a hate towards France. In response to this, Algeria responded by removing its ambassador, but the relation between the two parties improved ever since then.

Both the presidents of the countries reaffirmed their intention to "deepen" their relationship over a phone call on June 18. The Algerian President also extended an invitation to French President Macron to visit Algiers.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Algeria celebrates 60 years of its independence grom France on Tuesday (July 5) with a large military parade, but the tension between the two countries remains due to colonial era brutality.

Algeria celebrates 60 years of its independence grom France on Tuesday (July 5) with a large military parade, but the tension between the two countries remains due to colonial era brutality. The gruelling eight-year war that brought freedom to the country was put to an end with the signing of the Evian Accords in March 1962. Authorities in Algiers on Friday closed a 16-kilometre (10 mile) stretch of a major artery so that the army could conduct final preparations for its parade, the first one in 33 years. Roads leading to the capital’s eastern suburbs have experienced severe backups as a result of the shutdown, AFP reported. This procession will be presided over by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who will be accompanied by a number of international dignitaries, including Mahmud Abbas of Palestine, Kais Saeid of Tunisia, and Mohamed Bazoum of Niger. Also read | Macron ditches minister accused of rape in cabinet reshuffle The government commissioned a logo consisting of a circle with 60 stars, including icons and tools, to commemorate "a glorious history and a new ear." Slah Goudji, speaker of the upper house in an interview published by newspaper L’Expression on Monday (July 4), said, "There's no way we can forget or erase the human genocide, the cultural genocide, and the identity genocide of which colonial France remains guilty," reported by AFP. Watch | French government announces new appointments, Macron seeks to balance power Algeria ultimately gained independence from colonial control on July 5, days after 99.72 per cent of its population supported it in a referendum. However, the 132-year occupation still has its impact on Algeria’s ties with France. Thousands of people died during the battle for independence, but 60 years later, despite numerous overturns made by French President Emannuel Macron, France ruled out any kind of atonement for the colonial era. Also read | US says Algerian at Guantanamo has been repatriated The relationship between both countries reached a low point last year after Macron allegedly questioned Algeria if ever been as a country prior to the French invasion and accused its "political military establishment" of rewriting the history and inciting a hate towards France. In response to this, Algeria responded by removing its ambassador, but the relation between the two parties improved ever since then. Both the presidents of the countries reaffirmed their intention to "deepen" their relationship over a phone call on June 18. The Algerian President also extended an invitation to French President Macron to visit Algiers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Algeria celebrates 60 years of Independence from France, colonial era wounds remain

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago.&nbsp;

"Thanks to God... I have started on the road to recovery," the 75-year-old said a day after the first anniversary of his election.&nbsp;

"It may take two or three weeks but, God willing, I will recover all my bodily strength."

The video was broadcast on state television and published on Tebboune's Twitter feed.

He did not indicate his location, but his Twitter feed indicated that he was outside Algeria.

Tebboune, a heavy smoker, was hospitalised in Germany on October 28, and Algerian authorities later announced that he had the Covid-19 illness.&nbsp;

His absence had sparked concerns of an institutional crisis, weeks after voters approved a revised constitution on record low turnout in a referendum widely seen as a manoeuvre to neutralise the long-running Hirak protest movement.

Tebboune has been unable to sign the revised constitution into law because he must be on Algerian soil to do so.

He also has until December 31 to sign off on a 2021 budget.

But he said Sunday he was following developments in Algeria "day by day, if not hour by hour", and noted progress in cutting the country's daily toll of coronavirus infections.

Visibly thinner than before and wearing a casual jacket, he sat at a desk next to an Algerian flag.&nbsp;

Economic woes

Tebboune won last year's widely boycotted December 12 presidential election, following months of mass protests that had swept his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office.

Tebboune's prolonged disappearance had reminded many Algerians of Bouteflika's frequent hospitalisations abroad.

Last month's constitutional referendum, timed to coincide with Algeria's 1962 independence from France, had been seen as a bid to boost Tebboune's legitimacy.

But with the president overseas and the Hirak urging a boycott, the vote saw even lower turnout than the election that brought Tebboune to power.

His absence came as Algeria faces a sharp recession due to the coronavirus pandemic and a gaping budget deficit due to low crude prices that have slashed the country's vital oil revenues.

Tebboune has promised to fight for a "strong and diversified" economy and work to wean the country off oil.

He vowed Sunday that "no citizen on a low income will be hit by new taxes."

Tebboune has also reached out to the "blessed" Hirak, which staged over a year of mass protests until it was forced to suspend them amid coronavirus restrictions earlier this year.

But his administration has overseen a crackdown on dissent.&nbsp;

Prisoners' rights group the CNLD says around 90 activists, social media users and journalists are currently in custody, mostly for social media posts.

"Tebboune could have created legitimacy, launching large projects of political, economic and institutional renewal," Charef said.&nbsp;

"But he has not been able to, or has not known how."

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago.

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago. "Thanks to God... I have started on the road to recovery," the 75-year-old said a day after the first anniversary of his election. "It may take two or three weeks but, God willing, I will recover all my bodily strength." The video was broadcast on state television and published on Tebboune's Twitter feed. He did not indicate his location, but his Twitter feed indicated that he was outside Algeria. Tebboune, a heavy smoker, was hospitalised in Germany on October 28, and Algerian authorities later announced that he had the Covid-19 illness. His absence had sparked concerns of an institutional crisis, weeks after voters approved a revised constitution on record low turnout in a referendum widely seen as a manoeuvre to neutralise the long-running Hirak protest movement. Tebboune has been unable to sign the revised constitution into law because he must be on Algerian soil to do so. He also has until December 31 to sign off on a 2021 budget. But he said Sunday he was following developments in Algeria "day by day, if not hour by hour", and noted progress in cutting the country's daily toll of coronavirus infections. Visibly thinner than before and wearing a casual jacket, he sat at a desk next to an Algerian flag. Economic woes Tebboune won last year's widely boycotted December 12 presidential election, following months of mass protests that had swept his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office. Tebboune's prolonged disappearance had reminded many Algerians of Bouteflika's frequent hospitalisations abroad. Last month's constitutional referendum, timed to coincide with Algeria's 1962 independence from France, had been seen as a bid to boost Tebboune's legitimacy. But with the president overseas and the Hirak urging a boycott, the vote saw even lower turnout than the election that brought Tebboune to power. His absence came as Algeria faces a sharp recession due to the coronavirus pandemic and a gaping budget deficit due to low crude prices that have slashed the country's vital oil revenues. Tebboune has promised to fight for a "strong and diversified" economy and work to wean the country off oil. He vowed Sunday that "no citizen on a low income will be hit by new taxes." Tebboune has also reached out to the "blessed" Hirak, which staged over a year of mass protests until it was forced to suspend them amid coronavirus restrictions earlier this year. But his administration has overseen a crackdown on dissent. Prisoners' rights group the CNLD says around 90 activists, social media users and journalists are currently in custody, mostly for social media posts. "Tebboune could have created legitimacy, launching large projects of political, economic and institutional renewal," Charef said. "But he has not been able to, or has not known how."

Algeria president in first TV appearance in almost two months

Algeria is waiting for an apology for France's colonial occupation of the North African country.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday expressed hope that Emmanuel Macron would build on recent conciliatory overtures.

A global reexamination of the legacy of colonialism has been unleashed by the May killing of unarmed African American George Floyd by a white police officer, which sparked mass protests around the world.

"We have already had half-apologies. The next step is needed... We await it," the president said in an interview with news channel France 24.

"I believe that with President Macron, we can go further in the appeasement process... he is a very honest man, who wants to improve the situation."

A brutal eight-year war had ended France's 132 years of colonial rule in Algeria.

Algeria on Friday received the skulls of 24 resistance fighters decapitated during the colonial period. They will be laid to rest in the martyrs' section of the capital's El Alia cemetery on Sunday -- the 58th anniversary of Algeria's independence -- according to media reports.

Tebboune said an apology from France would "make it possible to cool tensions and create a calmer atmosphere for economic and cultural relations", especially for the more than six million Algerians who live in France.

During his presidential election campaign, Macron had created a storm by calling France's colonisation of Algeria a "crime against humanity". In December 2019, he said that "colonialism was a grave mistake" and called for turning the page on the past.

 
&nbsp;

Algeria is waiting for an apology for France's colonial occupation of the North African country. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday expressed hope that Emmanuel Macron would build on recent conciliatory overtures.

Algeria is waiting for an apology for France's colonial occupation of the North African country. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday expressed hope that Emmanuel Macron would build on recent conciliatory overtures. A global reexamination of the legacy of colonialism has been unleashed by the May killing of unarmed African American George Floyd by a white police officer, which sparked mass protests around the world. "We have already had half-apologies. The next step is needed... We await it," the president said in an interview with news channel France 24. "I believe that with President Macron, we can go further in the appeasement process... he is a very honest man, who wants to improve the situation." A brutal eight-year war had ended France's 132 years of colonial rule in Algeria. Algeria on Friday received the skulls of 24 resistance fighters decapitated during the colonial period. They will be laid to rest in the martyrs' section of the capital's El Alia cemetery on Sunday -- the 58th anniversary of Algeria's independence -- according to media reports. Tebboune said an apology from France would "make it possible to cool tensions and create a calmer atmosphere for economic and cultural relations", especially for the more than six million Algerians who live in France. During his presidential election campaign, Macron had created a storm by calling France's colonisation of Algeria a "crime against humanity". In December 2019, he said that "colonialism was a grave mistake" and called for turning the page on the past.

Algeria expects France to apologise for colonial past

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Saturday named a university professor and former diplomat as prime minister as he builds a new government to handle political unrest and a looming economic challenge. But came down on streets against this decision and started protesting. Protesters ask for a total revamp in the political system. #Algeria ##AlgeriaNewPM #AlgeriaProtests

Algeria names new prime minister, protest occurred

Algeria's powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah, who was instrumental in bringing down long-time president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-premier-elected-algerian-president-thousands-prepare-to-march-268146">Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a>, has died of a heart attack, state media reported on Monday.

The 79-year-old's death comes at a time of mass protests across Africa's largest country, with many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/algerian-spring-will-it-change-the-arab-course-203473">Algerians</a> demanding that the ruling elite relinquish power and the influential military step back from politics.

Gaed Salah's departure may not signify major changes to Algeria's economic and political policies, however, with the country's senior generals united over the handling of the protests.

"The army hierarchy is unified and it will move on after Gaed Salah as it did before him. Algeria's army is a single block, not under the influence of one general but with consensus as its engine," said a retired general who asked not to be named.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a three-day mourning period and said the head of land forces, General Said Chengriha, would take over as acting chief of staff of the military.

Gaed Salah's death comes less than a week after Tebboune was inaugurated following an election that the army had pushed for as the only way to resolve the crisis over the mass protests. Demonstrators opposed the vote and official figures showed only 40 per cent of the electorate cast ballots.

The authorities have so far rejected any systematic attempt to crush the protests with violence, allowing them to continue each week but stepping up the police presence in recent months and detaining many demonstrators.

"He kept his promise to save the blood of Algerians during a tough period," Islam Benatia, a prominent figure in the protest movement, said on Facebook.

The army's central role in Algerian politics was underlined last week when Tebboune's first act after being sworn in was to embrace Gaed Salah and present him with an order of merit.

Weeks after mass protests erupted early this year, Gaed Salah's televised speech urging president Bouteflika to quit swiftly led to the veteran leader's resignation.

The army then backed a series of arrests of Bouteflika allies and senior businessmen in an anti-corruption campaign that was widely seen as a purge of the military's rivals within the ruling system.

But it was not enough to appease the protesters, many of whom had begun calling for Gaed Salah's resignation. One constant chant throughout the protests has been for "A civilian state, not a military state".

The army has been central to Algerian politics since it won independence from France in 1962 following a guerrilla war against the colonial power. Most of the country's leaders since that period, including Gaed Salah and the new acting army chief Chengriha, have been veterans of that struggle.

Gaed Salah received military training in the Soviet Union and became head of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-prosecutor-seeks-heavy-sentences-against-ex-politicians-charged-with-corruption-267017"> Algeria</a>'s land forces in 1994, early in the civil war between the state and Islamist insurgents that killed 200,000 people.

Bouteflika appointed him army chief a decade later. In the past 15 years, he consolidated the military's power in the ruling elite, helping Bouteflika face down the once-dominant intelligence service.

As Bouteflika and his allies were ousted this year, the army's central role became more pronounced and Gaed Salah emerged as the most powerful figure in the country.

He pushed hard for this month's election to replace Bouteflika, a vote that the protesters rejected as a charade designed to keep the ruling elite in place, but was seen by the army as necessary to restore constitutional rule.

"Thank God we have a president now. Imagine what would have happened if there was no president," said another retired general.

Gaed Salah's funeral will take place on Tuesday, a day on which students have been staging weekly protests for much of the year.

Algeria's powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah, who was instrumental in bringing down long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has died of a heart attack, state media reported on Monday.

Algeria's powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah, who was instrumental in bringing down long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has died of a heart attack, state media reported on Monday. The 79-year-old's death comes at a time of mass protests across Africa's largest country, with many Algerians demanding that the ruling elite relinquish power and the influential military step back from politics. Gaed Salah's departure may not signify major changes to Algeria's economic and political policies, however, with the country's senior generals united over the handling of the protests. "The army hierarchy is unified and it will move on after Gaed Salah as it did before him. Algeria's army is a single block, not under the influence of one general but with consensus as its engine," said a retired general who asked not to be named. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a three-day mourning period and said the head of land forces, General Said Chengriha, would take over as acting chief of staff of the military. Gaed Salah's death comes less than a week after Tebboune was inaugurated following an election that the army had pushed for as the only way to resolve the crisis over the mass protests. Demonstrators opposed the vote and official figures showed only 40 per cent of the electorate cast ballots. The authorities have so far rejected any systematic attempt to crush the protests with violence, allowing them to continue each week but stepping up the police presence in recent months and detaining many demonstrators. "He kept his promise to save the blood of Algerians during a tough period," Islam Benatia, a prominent figure in the protest movement, said on Facebook. The army's central role in Algerian politics was underlined last week when Tebboune's first act after being sworn in was to embrace Gaed Salah and present him with an order of merit. Weeks after mass protests erupted early this year, Gaed Salah's televised speech urging president Bouteflika to quit swiftly led to the veteran leader's resignation. The army then backed a series of arrests of Bouteflika allies and senior businessmen in an anti-corruption campaign that was widely seen as a purge of the military's rivals within the ruling system. But it was not enough to appease the protesters, many of whom had begun calling for Gaed Salah's resignation. One constant chant throughout the protests has been for "A civilian state, not a military state". The army has been central to Algerian politics since it won independence from France in 1962 following a guerrilla war against the colonial power. Most of the country's leaders since that period, including Gaed Salah and the new acting army chief Chengriha, have been veterans of that struggle. Gaed Salah received military training in the Soviet Union and became head of Algeria's land forces in 1994, early in the civil war between the state and Islamist insurgents that killed 200,000 people. Bouteflika appointed him army chief a decade later. In the past 15 years, he consolidated the military's power in the ruling elite, helping Bouteflika face down the once-dominant intelligence service. As Bouteflika and his allies were ousted this year, the army's central role became more pronounced and Gaed Salah emerged as the most powerful figure in the country. He pushed hard for this month's election to replace Bouteflika, a vote that the protesters rejected as a charade designed to keep the ruling elite in place, but was seen by the army as necessary to restore constitutional rule. "Thank God we have a president now. Imagine what would have happened if there was no president," said another retired general. Gaed Salah's funeral will take place on Tuesday, a day on which students have been staging weekly protests for much of the year.

Algeria's powerful army chief dies at pivotal point in political crisis

Former Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-holds-election-in-defiance-of-protest-movement-267809">elected Algeria's new president</a> after a vote the authorities hope will end months of turmoil, but demonstrators who toppled his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika vowed that their movement would not stop.

Tebboune, who served as housing minister under Bouteflika and briefly as premier before falling out with tycoons in the ex-leader's entourage, was announced on Friday as the winner of more than half the vote, making a second round unnecessary.

Authorities said 40 per cent&nbsp;of voters had taken part in Thursday's election, which state media cast as a high enough turnout to vindicate the decision to hold the poll in spite of a boycott.

But protesters saw the contest between five officially sanctioned candidates as an illegitimate sham intended to keep the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-two-ex-prime-ministers-jailed-two-days-before-election-267458">old ruling elite</a> in place. Thousands of demonstrators were expected to take to the streets to protest against the result.

The authorities, including the powerful army, argue that the only way to move the country forward after demonstrators brought an end to Bouteflika's 20-year-rule in April is to elect a successor.

Weekly protests that toppled Bouteflika have not stopped, with demonstrators demanding the entire ruling elite cede power to a new generation, despite no obvious leader emerging to represent them. The protesters refer to themselves simply as "Hirak", or "the movement".

Tebboune's rivals included another former premier, two former ministers and a former member of the ruling party's central committee.

Protesters marched in cities and towns across Algeria throughout Thursday's election, in some places clashing with police, who tried to disperse them with baton charges.

Late on Thursday, the election body said some 9 million Algerians took part in the election.

"The turnout is satisfying and it will give the new president enough backing to implement his reforms," said Ahmed Mizab, a commentator on state television, saying it showed the decision to hold the elections was "propitious and right".

But Riad Mekersi, 24, who has participated in all the Hirak protests since February&nbsp;22 in Algiers, said the movement will continue no matter who wins.

"We have toppled Bouteflika, and we will topple all the system's men. We won't give up," he said.

Even without questions over his legitimacy, Tebboune will face difficult times.

Nearly all Algerian state revenues come from oil and gas exports, which have declined in both price and volume in recent years. The government has already approved a 2020 budget with a 9 per cent&nbsp;cut in public spending, though politically sensitive subsidies remain untouched.

Former Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected Algeria's new president after a vote the authorities hope will end months of turmoil, but demonstrators who toppled his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika vowed that their movement would not stop.

Former Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected Algeria's new president after a vote the authorities hope will end months of turmoil, but demonstrators who toppled his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika vowed that their movement would not stop. Tebboune, who served as housing minister under Bouteflika and briefly as premier before falling out with tycoons in the ex-leader's entourage, was announced on Friday as the winner of more than half the vote, making a second round unnecessary. Authorities said 40 per cent of voters had taken part in Thursday's election, which state media cast as a high enough turnout to vindicate the decision to hold the poll in spite of a boycott. But protesters saw the contest between five officially sanctioned candidates as an illegitimate sham intended to keep the old ruling elite in place. Thousands of demonstrators were expected to take to the streets to protest against the result. The authorities, including the powerful army, argue that the only way to move the country forward after demonstrators brought an end to Bouteflika's 20-year-rule in April is to elect a successor. Weekly protests that toppled Bouteflika have not stopped, with demonstrators demanding the entire ruling elite cede power to a new generation, despite no obvious leader emerging to represent them. The protesters refer to themselves simply as "Hirak", or "the movement". Tebboune's rivals included another former premier, two former ministers and a former member of the ruling party's central committee. Protesters marched in cities and towns across Algeria throughout Thursday's election, in some places clashing with police, who tried to disperse them with baton charges. Late on Thursday, the election body said some 9 million Algerians took part in the election. "The turnout is satisfying and it will give the new president enough backing to implement his reforms," said Ahmed Mizab, a commentator on state television, saying it showed the decision to hold the elections was "propitious and right". But Riad Mekersi, 24, who has participated in all the Hirak protests since February 22 in Algiers, said the movement will continue no matter who wins. "We have toppled Bouteflika, and we will topple all the system's men. We won't give up," he said. Even without questions over his legitimacy, Tebboune will face difficult times. Nearly all Algerian state revenues come from oil and gas exports, which have declined in both price and volume in recent years. The government has already approved a 2020 budget with a 9 per cent cut in public spending, though politically sensitive subsidies remain untouched.

Ex-premier elected Algerian president; thousands prepare to march