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Algeria Marks One-yearAnniversaryof Anti-government Protests

Lisa Bryant

   PARIS - Algeriais markingthe one-year anniversary this week of its
   massive popular uprising pretty much the way it started -- with more
   street protests and a sense that demands for fundamental political
   change remain unmet.

   The political landscape has shifted dramatically. Ailing octogenarian
   leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika -- whose quest for yet another term in
   office triggered the so-calledHirakprotest movement -- is out. In
   prison today are former prime ministers and other once-powerful
   establishment figures, including Bouteflika's brother, Said.

   The current president, AbdelmadjidTebboune,74,wants to reform Algeria's
   constitution, among other areas. Even powerful armyGeneral Ahmed Gaid
   Salah, who orchestrated the ouster of Bouteflika and other members of
   his regime, is out of the picture, having died suddenly in December.

   Yet protesters and analysts believe the fundamentalpouvoir, or
   traditionalpower system of influential military and business leaders,
   remains in place. And while some suggest there are options for moving
   forward, the street and the government, for now, are at an impasse.

   Not enough impact

   "The people in the streets now aren't enough to pressure the government
   to meet their demands," said analyst BrahimOumansourof the French
   Institute for International and Strategic Relations, referring to the
   dwindling numbers in recent months.

   At the same time, he added, "I don't think the Algerian government can
   continue failing to answer to their demands. The country cannot support
   such a political blockage."

   In the streets and on social media, protesters claim their movement is
   as strong as ever, and vow another mass demonstration next Friday.

   "Fifty-second Friday of protest, theHirakcontinues to be mobilized,"
   one Twitter postsaid, echoing many others.

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