Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has returned from Switzerland where he underwent medical treatment for two weeks, the presidency confirmed on Sunday.

Bouteflika, in power since 1999, has returned to a troubled country where massive protests began after he had announced plans to extend his rule in the April 18 election.

The 82-year-old president, who suffered a stroke in 2013, headed to Geneva on February 24 for what the presidency described as "routine medical checks".