ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algeria’s government on Friday released details of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's constitutional reform package that includes delegating more authority to the prime minister and more powers for opposition parties in parliament. Bouteflika, who won re-election last month despite ill health after suffering a stroke a year ago, promised the reforms to strengthen democracy in a country largely controlled by the ruling FLN party and the army since independence in 1962. Most opposition parties have already rejected Bouteflika's invitation to debate the amendments as an attempt to co-opt them into a political system they say is unlikely to bring any real change.
With a question mark still hanging over the 77-year-old leader's health, analysts said the reforms may also be aimed at shoring up his allies and guaranteeing a stable transition of power should Bouteflika be unable to finish his term.