FLN reformists demand Belkhadem's resignation

The movement for the reform of the Algerian National Liberation Front ["mouvement de redressement et d'authenticité du FLN"] renewed calls for the resignation of FLN Secretary-General Abdelaziz Belkahdem on Saturday, giving him responsibility for current weaknesses within the Algerian party. Movement members blamed Belkhadem for the party's failure in mid-term parliamentary elections as well as a poor showing in the November 29 local elections. Violations of party regulations and laws had created internal schisms in the FLN, the group claimed. The movement demanded Belkahdem's resign immediately and be taken to court, urging party supporters to "make a public stand" to restore the FLN to its "authentic, national" path. The Central Committee’s next priority would be “the legal framework for all discussions relating to the party,” media official Qassa Aïssi said. The politburo's media official. "I have no comment on virtual activities," he added. Analyst and strategist Shafiq Messbah told Arabstoday he predicted a repeat of the scenario that saw National Rally for Democracy [RND] chief Ahmed Ouyahia step aside from his post, as was announced on Thursday. Messbah argued the FLN crisis would continue until Belkhadem stood down. “Belkhadem has lost control of the party," the analyst said. “The party is now experiencing a major case of sedition. All Belkhadem can say is that his political career is over," Messbah said. The analyst also noted that Belkhadem's role has been predominantly “political, in contrast with Ouyahia's more administrative duties,” adding the leader’s chief mission had been to absorb Islamist elements rooted in Algerian society. In that aim Belkahdem had failed, he claimed.