Algeria: Bouteflika to travel to Geneva for routine medical checkup

The Algerian President will travel Sunday to Switzerland, Geneva, for “routine” medical checkup, his office said in a statement that comes amid growing national protest against his candidacy for a fifth term in office.

The statement said Abdelaziz Bouteflika will fly out for Geneva on Feb.24 for a short stay during which he will undergo a medical check-up.

Bouteflika regularly goes on similar medical trips to France and Switzerland.
Boutlefika, 82, who suffered a stroke in 2013 that has affected his mobility and speaking abilities, Thursday made his first public appearance since late December. The ailing leader appeared on the national broadcaster Canal Algérie during the swearing-in ceremony of the new President of the Constitutional Council, Tayeb Belaïz.

Algerians are doubting the ability of their President to run the country for another five years. Public criticism of the autocratic ailing man further brewed after he announced this month through a letter his candidacy for April 18 presidential elections.

Algerians in the country and in Europe are planning demonstrations to denounce the fifth mandate plans.