Algerian President Flies Back to Germany over COVID-19 Complications

On Sunday, the Algerian Presidency announced that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune flew back to Germany for treatment over complications in his foot resulting from a coronavirus infection.

Tebboune had recently returned to Algeria after a two-month treatment in Germany after he contracted coronavirus.

"The treatment of the complications was not medically urgent and had been due to take place during Tebboune’s last stay in Germany," the presidency said.

His prolonged absence had sparked concerns of an institutional crisis, after voters in November approved a revised constitution on record low turnout in a referendum widely seen as a maneuver to neutralize a long-running protest movement.

Tebboune signed the new constitution into law on January 1, promoting the controversial text as the "cornerstone of the new Algeria".

The president's sickness came as Algeria faces a sharp recession due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and a gaping budget deficit due to low crude prices that have slashed the country's vital oil revenues.

On November 3, the Algerian presidency announced that President Tebboune tested positive for coronavirus, adding that his health condition is gradually improving as he receives treatment in a German hospital.

Tebboune became the first president of an Arab country to contract the deadly virus.