Mr. Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA contributed during this same period to the definition of the main trends of the national policy in all the fields, and called within the leading instances for a greater flexibility of the system. At the death of president Houari BOUMEDIENE of whom he was one of the closest companions, Mr. BOUTEFLIKA has expressed the Nation's deep feelings in his funeral oration which had the greatest effect on millions of Algerians.

After 1978, Mr. Bouteflika became the first target of "anti Boumedienneism" and was forced into exile during six years and half. He returned to the country only in January 1987. After the events of October 1988, Mr. BOUTEFLIKA was one of the signatories of the "motion of the 18". Mr. BOUTEFLIKA who was invited to the extraordinary congress of the FLN in 1989 was elected member of the Central committee of the Party.

Sounded out about being appointed to the post of Minister Adviser to the High Council of State (HCE) then to that of Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, Mr. BOUTEFLIKA declined the offer. He had also declined the offer made to him in 1994 to take over the post of President of the State within the framework of measures and provisions relating to the transitional period.