Algerian opposition politician warns country paralyzed due to ailing president's absence
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One of Algeria's main opposition politicians has warned that the country is in a state of paralysis because of the ongoing absence of the ailing president in the midst of a series of crises.
Algeria is a major U.S. ally in the fight against terror and new radical group kidnapped and murdered a French hiker in the mountains last week.
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 77, however, has made no public statements about the incident or spoken with French officials.
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His main opponent in the April elections, Ali Benflis, said Tuesday said there is a "vacancy in power" and major decisions are being made by people neither qualified nor legitimate.
Oil-rich Algeria is a large regional power and involved in negotiating an end to conflicts in neighboring Mali and Libya.