The Popular Movement in Algeria (Causes and Consequences)

Abstract

Algeria has witnessed an important popular movement since the beginning of2019 in response to the announcement of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika his candidacy for a fifth term. Due to the health condition that the president suffers from after suffering a stroke, the movement has been affected by several factors, including political, which included a popular demand for free and fair elections and change the system of government in the country. Also, many Algerian political elites felt that power in the country has become the monopoly of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in addition to the economic reasons that revolved around the deepening state of administrative and financial corruption, high unemployment rates and economic decline. Also, the social and psychological reasons focused on the absence of civil rights and freedoms, in addition to the psychological collapse and social repression and the alienation of the Algerian citizen as a result of the repressive policies of the ruling regime. It did not provide citizens with the simplest requirements for a decent living, and thus this movement resulted in the emergence of several results, including the resignation of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, changes in power and the formation of a National rescue body. This body runs the affairs of the country until new elections are held to form a government to lead the country in the next stage.