Middle East

Algerians rally to demand top union chiefs resignation

Hundreds of Algerians rallied on Wednesday outside the offices of the countrys biggest union, calling for its chief to quit over his ties to ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

“Free the union,” read a protesters placard outside the powerful General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) in the capital Algiers, where Abdelmadjid Sidi Said has been secretary-general since 1997.

An AFP photographer said an estimated 1,000 people rallied for the resignation of Sidi Said, who for years was one of Bouteflikas most enthusiastic backers and initially supported the ailing leaders bid for a fifth term.

It was the veteran presidents decision to seek re-election which brought vast crowds onto the streets for weeks of demonstrations, which prompted the 82-year-old to quit on April 2.

After more than a month of mass protests, Sidi Said ultimately welcomed the army chiefs call for Bouteflika to be declared unfit to rule.

Despite the presidents resignation, rallies have continued as protesters push for Bouteflikas inner circle to step down and a broad overhaul of the political system.

Along with Sidi Said, demonstrators have targeted prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia, who has siRead More – Source

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