The resignation of a prominent Algerian politician from active politics has stunned many in the North African country.
Azzedine Mihoubi, a former presidential candidate and cabinet minister, stated he wanted to focus on his “intellectual and literary work” and continue “helping his country in a different ways”.
Mr Mihoubi is a well-known author and poet who is one of Algeria’s most prolific writers.
He has also received numerous Algerian and Arab literary honors.
He has 48 novels to his credit and served as Culture Minister from 2015 to 2019.
During his time in the public sector, he has never been accused of any wrongdoing.
Many expected the 64-year-old to run against President Abdelmadjid Tebboun in the election next year.
Since the late former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was deposed in a public protest in 2019, officials from his National Democratic Rally party, including former leader and Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, have been prosecuted and imprisoned on corruption accusations.
According to some Algerians, the authorities, backed by the army, may have forced Mr Mihoubi out of politics.
Others claim that he was always a poet at heart and that it was natural for him to return to doing what he enjoys.
