Former PM Tebboune sworn in as Algerian president

CAIRO – 19 December 2019: Former Algerian prime minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune was sworn in as the new president of Algeria on Thursday.

A week after winning a widely boycotted election, Tebboune was announced succeeding veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who was forced from office in April in the face of mass demonstrations.

The 74-year-old is seen as close to the armed forces chief, Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has been the North African country's effective ruler since Bouteflika quit.

Tebboune and other top brass attended the swearing-in ceremony alongside his defeated rivals for the presidency.

Following his election, Tebboune vowed to extend his hand to the protest movement for a dialogue", appoint young ministers and push for a new constitution.

During his first speech, Tebboune said a comprehensive strategic plan must be laid to pass the current political situation and begin reforming the country’s economy and stature among nations.

He further thanked the Algerian army and Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has been the North African country's effective ruler since Bouteflika quit, for protecting the national sovereignty and stability against conspiracies that targets the unity of the nation.