Date: Apr 19, 2019 Source: The Daily Star Algerians rally to demand resignation of top union chief, aim to kick out Bouteflika’s inner circle Agence France Presse ALGIERS: Hundreds of Algerians rallied Wednesday outside the offices of the country’s biggest union, calling for its chief to quit over ties to ousted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. “Free the union,” a protesters’ placard read outside the powerful General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) in Algiers, where Abdel-Madjid Sidi Said has been secretary-general since 1997. An AFP photographer said an estimated 1,000 people rallied for the resignation of Sidi Said, who for years was one of Bouteflika’s most enthusiastic backers and supporter of the ailing leader’s bid for a fifth term. It was the president’s decision to seek re-election that brought vast crowds onto the streets for weeks of demonstrations that prompted the 82-year-old to quit on April 2. After more than a month of mass protests, Sidi Said ultimately welcomed the army chief’s call for Bouteflika to be declared unfit to rule. Despite the president’s resignation, rallies have continued as protesters push for Bouteflika’s inner circle to step down and a broad overhaul of the political system. Along with Sidi Said, demonstrators have targeted Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, who has since been sacked, and tycoon Ali Haddad, who has been detained. They have also challenged the appointment as interim leader of Abdel-Kader Bensalah, formerly upper house speaker, who has set a presidential vote for July 4.