The popular wave of rebellion that broke on 1 March, in million-strong protests felt across the country, has undeniably shifted Algeria’s political situation. Yet if there is a change at the level of consciousness, the basic balance of forces is yet to move.

The basic demand at the origin of this human tide was opposition to current President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s campaign for a fifth term in office, particularly in light of his obvious ill-health. On Monday he called off plans to stand again in the April 18 vote, while also postponing the planned presidential election.

The protests began out of moral opposition to a regime that has long hid behind Bouteflika’s age and illness. Using this same moral register, protestors have expressed their rejection of a ‘thieving and corrupt’ regime, demanding its immediate downfall.