Abdelaziz Belkhadem

Minister of State & Personal Representative of the Head of State

Date of Birth: 08/11/1945
Place of Birth: Aflou, Laghouat Province

Biography: Minister of Foreign Affairs; Secretary General, FLN, 2005; Prime Minister, 2006-08;

Commentary: One of Bouteflika's inner circle, Belkhadem is detested by secularists in the Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN) and leads the party's pan-Arab/Islamist 'conservative wing'. At various times he has been tipped as a future presidential candidate, a move that might help to bring more radical Islamists into mainstream politics - a double-edged sword that would frighten secular opponents and some foreign partners. Appointed Prime Minister in 2006, 2007 saw his star wane unexpectedly at the beginning of the year following a shift in strategy at the presidency and among key deciders on the thorny issue of how to handle radical Islam.
He was replaced as premier in 2008 by Ouyahia, who was also his predecessor, but continues to be a key presence in government and is Secretary of the FLN.