Ahmed Benbitour

Ahmed Benbitour was appointed Prime Minister of Algeria on December 23, 1999, by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, succeeding Smail Hamdani. His appointment was part of Bouteflika's efforts to form a new government focused on economic reform and national reconciliation.

Benbitour advocated for economic liberalization, including privatization of state enterprises and reduction of public spending. He clashed with President Bouteflika over the pace of reforms and the handling of the civil war, particularly the Civil Concord law offering amnesty to Islamist fighters.

Benbitour resigned as Prime Minister on August 27, 2000, after only eight months in office. His resignation was due to irreconcilable differences with President Bouteflika over economic policy and the direction of the government, leading to his replacement by Ali Benflis.

After leaving office, Benbitour became a prominent critic of President Bouteflika, opposing his bid for a third term in 2004 and later his fourth term in 2009. He called for political reforms and an end to the dominance of the FLN party, positioning himself as an independent voice.