Algeria’s president has declared Feb. 22 a special holiday to honor the protest movement that ousted the country’s long-time leader last year.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune made the announcement Wednesday, and big protests are expected this week to mark the movement’s first anniversary.
The move appears to be an attempt to protest authorities for ignoring their calls for deeper political change.
It’s a symbolic decision, but a key recognition of the importance of the protest movement that has led to major changes in the leadership of Africa’s largest country.
Tebboune is a product of Algeria’s old power structure, which remained largely in place after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his entourage were pushed out last year.
Protesters are planning their 53rd straight week of marches Friday for what is now called the “Feb. 22 Revolution,” marking the day of the first major nationwide protests against Boutflika’s rule.
The communications minister called earlier this week for Feb. 22 to be declared “a national holiday of the blessed Hirak” — the Arabic name for the uprising.
