Algeria complains to EU over journalist 'insulting' ailing leader

Algeria has complained to the European Union after a journalist of Algerian origins harshly criticised ageing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in a video shot at EU's Brussels headquarters.

Algeria's embassy in Belgium released a statement on Saturday condemning Layla Haddad for "undermining the honour" of the North African country, the state-run APS news agency reported.

The statement denounced "the unacceptable misappropriation of the symbols of the European Union" by "a pseudo-journalist of Algerian origin".

It added that the video "undermined the honour and dignity of the Algerian institutions" and that embassy officials have taken "formal urgent actions".

Haddad, a former correspondent for Algerian Television, appeared in a video on Thursday slamming the 81-year-old ailing leader.

"Bouteflika is nothing more than a heap of flesh exposed to the world, despite facing disdain from a whole nation," Haddad said in the footage filmed at the EU headquarters.

"Algerians have become the laughing stock of the world. Their dignity has succumbed to their own humanity to form a mountain of shame," she added.

Critics have questioned Bouteflika's ability to govern the oil-rich, gas-exporting country since a 2013 stroke, but the president's inner circle has insisted he is able to fully exercise his powers.

The Algerian leader, who now lives in medicalised housing, has been wheelchair-bound ever since the stroke and makes few public appearances.

A power struggle has emerged at the top of Algerian politics ahead of the 2019 presidential elections, as Bouteflika's physical and mental health deteriorates.

Bouteflika, Algeria's longest-serving leader, won re-election in 2014 to serve a fourth term.

Algeria's FLN governing party is urging Bouteflika to seek a fifth term in next year's presidential election despite his frail health.