On 9 April, the Algerian parliament officially confirmed that the upper house Speaker Abdelkader Bensalah will be the interim head of State after Bouteflika’s resignation three weeks ago. According to the constitution, Bensalah has 90 days to lead the country to new elections in which he cannot run as a candidate. The parliament’s decision that was not supported by the opposition parties was followed by demonstrations. “Ninety days is merely enough time for the system to maintain itself and give itself a new figure, a new facade,” said Amina Afaf Chaieb, an Algerian activist. Abdelkader Bensalah is considered one of the strongest allies of Bouteflika and, according to protesters, he does not represent a change in Algerian politics. The army did not comment on the parliament’s decision and the defense ministry stated on Tuesday that the army will ensure “the Algerian people’s legitimate right to enjoy total tranquillity for the present and the future of the country.” New elections are set to take place on 4 July.