Algeria is facing a new era after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s resignation and questions about what happens next for this gas-rich country and ally to the West in fighting terrorism.
Algeria’s 12-member Constitutional Council is expected to meet Wednesday to confirm the departure.
A frail Bouteflika was seen on national television handing his resignation letter to Constitutional Council president Tayeb Belaiz.
Algeria’s Constitution says that when a president dies or resigns, the Constitutional Council confirms the leader’s absence and both houses of parliament convene.
The president of the upper house is named as interim leader for 90 days while a presidential election is organized.
The current upper house president is Abdelkader Bensalah, is largely considered a Bouteflika ally as is the prime minister.
The six weeks long protests across Algeria have been pushing for a drastic change of Algeria’s political elite, seen as corrupt and secretive.
On Sunday Bouteflika made several cabinet changes but retained close allies.
