The Algerian Press Service has announced more details of President Bouteflika’s proposed constitutional amendment. The constitutional bill was approved in yesterday’s Council of Ministers.

As expected, the term limit for the presidency is being abolished. In addition, Art. 77-5 is being amended to make it clear that the president names and end the functions of the PM, plus the president may appoint any number of vice-PMs and end their functions too. (It’s not obvious to me how this will make the executive more streamlined as per yesterday’s post). However, the constitution will now state that the PM implements the president’s programme, thus reinforcing the president’s position within the executive. Crucially, in terms of semi-presidentialism, the government’s responsibility to the legislature is not being changed.

All told, it looks as if Algeria will remain semi-presidential.