Algerians to the president: It’s time to go

Many oppose decision of 77-year-old head of state to run for a fourth consecutive term.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika signs the official presidential candidature documents in Algiers, Algeria, 03 March 2014. (EPA/ ALGERIE PRESSE SERVICE)

Algerians are ridiculing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika after confirming his candidacy for a fourth term in a rare appearance on state television Monday at the Constitutional Council. This was the first time since May 2012 that Bouteflika spoke in public. The president has been rarely seen since suffering a stroke last year.

The appearance, which only lasted a few seconds, on ENTV, Algeria’s state television channel, triggered a wave of criticism on social media about his frail health condition.