16/11/2008
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika named head of government Ahmed Ouyahia as the country's first prime minister on Saturday (November 15th). Ouyahia resigned from his previous position as a formality to comply with constitutional amendments adopted by parliament last week which created the new post of prime minister, local press reported. Under the revised constitution, the prime minister is subordinate to the president. Under the previous constitution, AFP noted, the head of government "was more autonomous". In addition to the prime minister post, the president may appoint deputy prime ministers as amendments stipulate, Echorouk reported.