Updated

The office of Algeria's president says the leader's health is improving under treatment in France, despite media reports to the contrary.

Tuesday's official statement said President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is "consolidating his favorable progress" under therapy since being flown to France following a stroke in Algeria on April 27.

French media have been carrying increasingly grim reports about the 76-year-old leader's condition, suggesting he won't be able to continue carrying out his duties.

Bouteflika was first treated at the Val-de-Grace military hospital in Paris until June 2, when he was transferred to the French Invalides facility for further observation and rehabilitation.

There is increasing speculation in Algeria that Bouteflika will not run for re-election in April as was originally planned.