Generation 54 back a quasi-presidential system

The chairman of Algeria's Generation 54 party, Ali Fawzi Rebaine said Saturday that a quasi-presidential system was the most fitting for Algeria and that the upcoming constitutional amendments should reflect this system, which he said entrenches the separation of powers. Speaking at a press conference at the party's Algiers headquarters Rebaine also said the president should no longer be allowed to appoint a third of the Council of the Nation, explaining "It is impermissible in a democratic system" and contrary to the nature of parliament's role. The party chief also stressed the need for development in southern regions through establishing "robust" institutions to push economic and social development based on equality. He also saluted the Algerian army for its role in resolving the In Amenas hostage crisis and said that Algeria had "taught the world as well as the terrorist groups a lesson in how to deal with the terror machine that only understands the language of force." Rebaine described the incident as a "foreign attack on the country whose borders are now more threatened than ever after the outbreak of France's war on the armed groups in northern Mali." The former presidential candidate also demanded that a new system of administrative division is instated, increasing the number of provinces and municipalities to establish the principle of decentralisation.