On 12 November the Algerian parliament passed the set of constitutional reforms proposed by President Bouteflika. (See previous post). The president ratified the reforms on 15 November.

One of the consequences of the reforms is that the head of government is now officially titled ‘prime minister’ rather than … head of government (chef du gouvernement). This wording is consistent with a key element of the reform, namely that the prime minister is now charged with implementing the president’s programme.

Parliament voted 500 for the reform, 21 against, and 8 eights abstentions. The head of government, Ahmed Ouyahia, tendered his resignation immediately after the reform was passed. President Bouteflika appointed him as … Prime Minister immediately thereafter.