President Abdelaziz Bouteflika might step down from power Tuesday, April 2, two days after he named a caretaker government that will lead the country through transition. Local television networks, Ennahar and El Bilad, Sunday released the information shortly after Bouteflika named a caretaker administration to be led by Noureddine Bedoui, the recently appointed Prime Minister. It is the second position in the protocol order, behind Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui. The defense portfolio is held by Bouteflika himself, constitutionally supreme commander of the armed forces. Should Bouteflika step down, Abdelkader Bensalah, the head of the constitutional council would take over as caretaker President for 90-day transition with elections as climax.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 01, 2019 12:56 UTC