Algeria’s ailing president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 82, said he would not run for a fifth term following weeks of nationwide protests against his re-election.

Instead he postponed the upcoming election indefinitely, which critics see as a threat to democracy in the country.

On Monday, the president named Interior Minister Noureddine Bedoui as the new prime minister to replace Ahmed Ouyahia.

Protesters are accusing the president of a ploy to prolong his 20-year rule.

The protesters, who chanted “No tricks, Bouteflika”, had responded to calls on social media to continue the protests.

One of the messages said: “We will march more determined than ever to end this system, to end this mafia. We want a republican and democratic state.

“No to manipulation, let’s be vigilant. The battle is not won.”

Talks have been set up to negotiate Algeria’s political future, which will be led by veteran UN diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi.