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A statement from the president's office announced that Bouteflika would take several "important steps to ensure the continued functioning of state institutions during the transition period," reported APS.
The protesters called for the 82 year old give up power for weeks. Bouteflika, who came to power two decades ago, is widely believed to be handicapped by the disease. critics say that he left the reins of the largest country in Africa in the hands of a civilian-military elite.
Algerians first marched in the streets to protest against the upcoming presidential election, which Bouteflika had originally planned to run for. On March 11, the government announced that Mr. Bouteflika would no longer seek a fifth term and that the elections of April 18 would be postponed.
The announcement of the resignation comes nearly a week after the Algerian army chief called Bouteflika to step down. He cited a provision in the constitution stating that, if the president's state of health prevented him from performing his duties, the presidential office was to be declared vacant.
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