Liamine Zeroual: The Algerian president who followed the straight and narrow

Liamine Zeroual: The Algerian president who followed the straight and narrow Submitted by Adlene Meddi on Mon, 03/30/2026 - 11:27 His resignation paved the way for years of rule by Abdelaziz Bouteflika In later life, Liamine Zeroual rejected any political overtures to return to political life (screengrab) On Former Algerian president Liamine Zeroual, who died on Saturday at the age of 84, will always be held in high esteem by Algerians, although many will never entirely forgive him. Despite his retreat from political life in 1998, when he resigned as president, the departure of the unassuming former general from a modest background paved the way for Abdelaziz Bouteflika , his power-hungry successor, who himself would only step down in 2019 only amid waves of popular protest. Ironically, Zeroual rejected offers from “deep state” power brokers, including figures from Algeria’s defunct secret services, to lead a transitional government after the 22 February protest movement prompted his successor’s resignation.