Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced Monday he would no longer seek a fifth term, after weeks of popular protests demanding the ailing president step down. He has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013. Algerians took to the streets to celebrate the news.

Protester: “It’s a good thing, but only if they change the government completely. If they bring someone just like him, it’s not worth it. They have to change the whole government.”

Critics of the ruling government warned that Bouteflika’s announcement that the April election would be postponed could signal his intention to stay in power through 2019 or beyond. His announcement, read on air by a newscaster, also said a new constitution would be put to a referendum. Protests are expected to continue until he leaves office.