Algeria at Critical Juncture: Goudjil Calls for Strengthened Democracy, Economic Sovereignty
✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | September 24th, 2024 — Algeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history, according to Salah Goudjil, Speaker of the Council of the Nation, who delivered a compelling address during the opening of the 2024-2025 parliamentary session in Algiers on Monday. Goudjil’s remarks highlighted the pressing challenges and opportunities Algeria faces in the aftermath of the recent presidential election, where President Abdelmadjid Tebboune secured a second five-year term. The session, marked by significant attendance from political leaders, including the Speaker of the People’s National Assembly (APN) Brahim Boughali, Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui, and key members of the government, sets the stage for Algeria’s legislative priorities in the coming years.
Democracy and Reform: Cornerstones of a New Era
Goudjil opened his address by reflecting on the “atmosphere of fraternity and fair play” that defined the most recent presidential election, emphasizing its importance as a foundation for future governance. “This election,” he noted, “serves as a solid base for the launch of new initiatives and mandates under President Tebboune’s leadership.” Goudjil lauded the peaceful competition between the three candidates, further asserting that the re-election of Tebboune signifies a strong mandate for continuity and reform.
Central to Goudjil’s message was President Tebboune’s proposal for a national dialogue aimed at deepening Algeria’s democratic practice. The veteran politician emphasized that this dialogue presents “an unprecedented opportunity to understand the true nature of the state and its culture,” particularly in light of proposed reforms to the laws governing political parties and associations. He made a sharp critique of any political entities that lack internal democratic processes, warning that “if a party fails to practice democracy within its own structures, it cannot hope to uphold it on a national level.”
Algeria’s Global Position: A Resurgent Force
Goudjil’s address also placed Algeria’s recent progress within the broader context of its evolving role on the international stage. He asserted that “Algeria has regained its rightful place internationally,” citing the numerous congratulatory messages President Tebboune received from global leaders following his re-election as evidence of the country’s rising diplomatic stature. He pointed to Algeria’s principled stance on non-alignment as a core tenet of its foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s commitment to engaging with the international community “in a spirit of mutual respect, free from external interference.”
In a pointed statement, Goudjil declared that Algeria no longer accepts foreign critiques of its internal governance, stating, “We no longer await lessons from external powers on matters of democracy, human rights, or freedom of expression. Instead, it is now Algeria that provides such lessons to the world.”
Goudjil also praised Algeria’s economic and financial independence, highlighting its lack of foreign debt as a unique accomplishment in today’s global landscape. “Very few countries, whether developed or developing, can claim total financial sovereignty as Algeria does,” he said, linking this economic autonomy directly to the nation’s political independence and growing influence on the world stage.
The Role of Parliament: Oversight and Collaboration
In his address, Goudjil underscored the critical role of Algeria’s bicameral Parliament in the country’s continued progress. He stressed the need for both the Council of the Nation and the APN to actively participate in legislative oversight and ensure close coordination with the government on pressing national issues. “The Parliament must fully exercise its supervisory role during this crucial period,” Goudjil emphasized, noting that this responsibility is paramount as Algeria navigates “a pivotal stage that requires great responsibility and solidarity among all national actors.”
One of the key legislative priorities for this session is the 2025 Finance Law, which Goudjil described as “inherently political” given its connection to President Tebboune’s campaign promises and broader economic vision. He also pointed to other critical legislative texts on the horizon, including those addressing local governance, administrative reorganization, and economic development.
Structuring the Nation: A Clear Vision for the Future
In a forward-looking section of his speech, Goudjil outlined President Tebboune’s ambitious vision for restructuring Algeria’s administrative and political landscape. The president’s proposal to increase the number of wilayas (provinces) to around 100 and limit the number of communes to no more than 10 per wilaya was heralded as a transformative step towards strengthening local democracy and governance. “These reforms,” Goudjil stated, “will embody the true essence of democracy at the local level, while reinforcing the solid foundations of our state.”
This reorganization, he added, would not only decentralize governance but also bring government closer to the people, enabling more responsive and efficient local administrations. The proposed administrative reforms are seen as a critical component of Tebboune’s broader strategy to modernize Algeria and bolster its economic and political institutions.
Strengthening Algeria’s Sovereignty and Defense
Goudjil closed his speech by reaffirming the importance of national unity and sovereignty, particularly in light of the regional and global challenges facing Algeria. He praised the cohesion of Algeria’s constitutional institutions, especially the pivotal role of the People’s National Army (ANP), which, alongside the nation’s security services, serves as a “fortress for Algeria.” He asserted that Algeria’s sovereignty is safeguarded not only through military strength but also through economic independence and political stability, all achieved under President Tebboune’s leadership.
The Speaker of the Council of the Nation also underscored Algeria’s leading role in regional diplomacy, particularly in relation to the North African and Sahel regions, highlighting the country’s proactive approach in mediating conflicts and promoting stability.
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