Algeria’s Opposition Party Stages Protest

After Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika cracked down on protesters last month, instituting a ban and detaining hundreds, Algeria’s main opposition party has countered with its first rally in seven years, with 3,000 people gathering at a Socialist Forces Front rally demanding wide-scale political reforms. In recent weeks, the government has taken measures to appease demonstrators by introducing pay raises for government workers and measures to improve housing and job opportunities, avoiding the political turmoil and mass demonstrations that have struck other Middle East nations. The opposition party’s rally occurred thanks to authorities easing restrictions on political gatherings in public places. However, the government has still squashed any attempts at marching on the capital thanks to a heavy police presence.