Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has dropped out of the race for a fifth term in office after 30 years of protests. The 82-year-old has held the position for 30 years , but his intention to run again led to mass protests and a rejection by more than 1,000 judges. But his bid was met with stiff resistance as mass protests broke out across Algeria. Algeria was largely unaffected by the 2011 Arab Spring . However, protests over the National Liberation Front's 's control of state resources, growing unemployment and clampdowns on political dissent, have led to what are reportedly the largest Algerian demonstrations in 30 years . It is unknown whether the president's decision will signal an end to Bouteflika 50-year rule.
Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has dropped out of the race for a fifth term in office after 30 years of protests. The 82-year-old has held the position for 30 years , but his intention to run again led to mass protests and a rejection by more than 1,000 judges. Algeria was largely unaffected by the 2011 Arab Spring . However, protests over the National Liberation Front's 's control of state resources, growing unemployment and clampdowns on political dissent, have led to what are reportedly the largest Algerian demonstrations in 30 years . It is unknown whether the president's decision will signal an end to Bouteflika 50-year rule.