President Tebboune Commemorates the Double Anniversary of UGTA’s Founding and the Nationalization of Hydrocarbons: A Tribute to Algeria’s Legacy of Economic Sovereignty and Workers’ Struggles

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 25th, 2025 — Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed the nation, on Monday, to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) and the 54th anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons. His speech, delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui in Hassi Messaoud (Ouargla), underscored Algeria’s unwavering commitment to economic sovereignty, social justice, and the pivotal role of its workforce in national development.

 

The President began by paying homage to Algeria’s historical milestones, highlighting the sacrifices made by generations of workers who played a crucial role in the national liberation struggle. He extended his heartfelt recognition to all Algerian workers across various sectors, particularly those in the energy industry, for their relentless efforts in safeguarding the nation’s energy security.

He recalled the legacy of key figures in Algeria’s labor movement, notably Aïssat Idir, the emblematic martyr and founder of the UGTA, as well as Abdelhak Benhamouda, the courageous trade unionist who fell in the line of duty. Their contributions, he emphasized, remain a guiding force in Algeria’s journey toward self-determination and economic resilience.

A Historic Decision in Defiance of Colonialism

President Tebboune paid tribute to the historic decision of hydrocarbon nationalization, taken on February 24, 1971, under the leadership of the late President Houari Boumédiène. He described the move as a “bold challenge” that cemented Algeria’s economic independence and restored national sovereignty over its natural wealth.

“This decisive moment in our history was not merely an economic policy but an act of defiance against neocolonial control,” Tebboune stated. “It was a testament to the unwavering will of our leadership and the deep patriotic commitment of our engineers, technicians, and workers who defied all predictions of failure and ensured the continued production and commercialization of our energy resources.”

The President reiterated that this historic decision was firmly rooted in the principles of the November 1 Revolution, embodying Algeria’s aspirations for total independence. He stressed that the spirit of November continues to inspire future generations, reminding them of the national leaders who safeguarded Algeria’s resources and upheld the social character of the state.

A Vision for Economic Diversification and National Progress

Addressing Algeria’s current economic trajectory, President Tebboune reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing the country’s reliance on hydrocarbons and diversifying its sources of revenue. He underscored that Algeria has made significant progress in this direction, with unprecedented levels of non-hydrocarbon exports achieved in recent years.

“Our economic strategy is designed to secure the future of our nation by preserving resources for upcoming generations while fostering industrial development, entrepreneurship, and investment,” he declared. “We have attracted thousands of young entrepreneurs and both domestic and foreign investors, positioning Algeria on the path toward economic emergence.”

The President further pledged that the Algerian state will spare no effort in strengthening social gains for workers and improving their professional conditions. He reaffirmed Algeria’s dedication to upholding the principles of the November 1 Declaration, ensuring that social justice remains at the heart of national policy.

In closing, President Tebboune extended his warmest congratulations to all Algerian workers and reiterated his unwavering commitment to their well-being and prosperity.

“Long live Algeria, and eternal glory to our valiant martyrs,” he concluded.

 

 

Translation of President Tebboune’s Address on the Anniversary of the UGTA’s Founding and the Nationalization of Hydrocarbons

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

May peace and blessings be upon His Messenger,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The commemoration of the 69th anniversary of the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) and the 54th anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons, like all of our nation’s momentous historical milestones, stands as a testament to Algeria’s deep attachment to its glorious past. These defining moments serve as an eternal reservoir of wisdom, reminding us of the sacrifices and triumphs that have shaped our country’s victorious journey.

On this occasion, I extend my deepest gratitude to all Algerian workers across various sectors. I also take this moment to honor the sacrifices of the pioneering generation that spearheaded the mobilization of workers in support of our blessed War of Liberation. Let us pay tribute to the martyred leader Aïssat Idir, the valiant unionist and martyr Abdelhak Benhamouda, and their fellow trade unionists who laid down their lives for Algeria.

A special salute goes to the workers in the hydrocarbons sector, whose relentless efforts ensure our energy security. Their dedication echoes the patriotism of their predecessors—engineers and technicians who, driven by love for Algeria, defied all odds after the restoration of our national sovereignty. They proved the skeptics wrong, ensuring that neither the production nor the commercialization of our natural resources would falter.

The nationalization of hydrocarbons was a bold and decisive step in cementing Algeria’s economic independence and reclaiming sovereignty over its natural wealth. This historic decision, taken under the leadership of the late President Houari Boumediène on this very day in 1971, embodied the spirit of emancipation and asserted our nation’s complete independence. It was a testament to the sincere will, nationalism, and unwavering fidelity to the ideals of the November Revolution and the valiant martyrs who laid down their lives for our freedom. The spirit of November, as embodied by our nation’s leaders at the time, will forever stand as a guiding beacon for successive generations, reminding them of the noble vision of a leader who was unwaveringly committed to Algeria’s wealth, its sovereignty, and the social character of the state.

A Vision for the Future: Economic Diversification and National Development

Ladies and gentlemen,

In light of the challenges of our time, and with pride in the remarkable progress achieved in the hydrocarbons sector over the past decades, we recognize the exceptional level of expertise and mastery demonstrated by our industry’s executives, workers, and professionals.

This moment provides me with the opportunity to reaffirm our resolute commitment to a strategic shift—one that steers Algeria away from its dependence on hydrocarbons toward a diversified and robust economy. This is not merely an economic policy; it is a national imperative, one that safeguards the wealth of future generations while paving the way for sustainable and profitable investments in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development. By doing so, Algeria is integrating into the global economic paradigm—one that places human capital at its core, fostering initiative and generating national wealth.

We have already made significant strides in realizing this vision, attracting thousands of young entrepreneurs and investors, both Algerian and foreign. As a result, Algeria has reached unprecedented levels of non-hydrocarbon exports, figures that I have previously shared on multiple occasions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this path, which will rightfully place Algeria among the emerging economies of the future.

A Pledge to Algeria’s Workers: Social Justice and Economic Empowerment

As I conclude, I extend my warmest congratulations to all Algerian workers in every sector. I assure you that the state will spare no effort in strengthening workers’ social rights and improving their professional conditions, in line with the social justice principles enshrined in the Declaration of November 1st.

Long live Algeria.

Glory and eternity to our valiant martyrs.”

 

 

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