Algerian president being treated for coronavirus

By Abdelrazzak Abdullah

ALGIERS (AA) - Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is being treated after he contracted the novel coronavirus, the country’s presidency said on Tuesday.

The 74-year-old president "continues to receive treatment at a specialized German hospital, after he was infected with the coronavirus," the presidency said in a statement.

Tebboune’s health condition is "improving," the statement said.

"The medical staff reassures that the president is responding to treatment, and his health condition is gradually improving, in accordance with the requirements of the health protocol," it said.

Last week, the presidency announced that Tebboune had traveled to Germany, to "undergo in-depth medical examinations" after being hospitalized for four days at an Algerian military hospital.

Tebboune assumed the presidency on Dec. 19, 2019, after winning the presidential elections, as his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on April 2 of the same year, under pressure from popular protests against his 20-year rule.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat