President Tebboune Addresses Key National, International Concerns in Candid Press Interview
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In his first press engagement since announcing the early presidential election, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune candidly addressed various national and international political issues.
During the periodic meeting with the press, President Tebboune elucidated the rationale behind his decision to shorten his presidential term by three months and call for an early presidential election on September 7th. He emphasized that the decision was based on technical considerations and assured that it would not impact the electoral process’s integrity or the conduct of the election.
Presidential Election: “It’s Not Time Yet to Discuss My Candidacy”
President Tebboune reflected on the electoral calendar’s adjustment following the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the impossibility of holding presidential elections during the transitional period under President Abdelkader Bensalah’s tenure. He stressed that December is not the official election month in Algeria and dismissed speculations surrounding the announcement of an early presidential election as mere conjecture.
“The month of December is not the official date, nor is it the month when we usually hold elections in Algeria. Everything else is merely speculation and conjecture, depending on the parties that support us or oppose us,” argued the President.
Regarding the choice of the September 7th date, President Tebboune explained its suitability for the electoral event, dispelling rumors and clarifying that the decision was not politically motivated. Responding indirectly to inquiries about his potential candidacy for the next presidential term, the President stated that it was premature to discuss such matters. He reiterated his focus on ongoing responsibilities and scheduled field visits to various provinces before addressing electoral candidacy.
“Before the time is due, it’s not the time. It’s not yet the moment to discuss it since there is still a program to implement, and there are over 5 months left before the presidential appointment,” he responded on the matter.
President Tebboune also announced upcoming field visits to the provinces of Khenchela, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, and possibly Djanet.
“The itinerary for these visits has not yet been set, but God willing, I will go, and other visits to other provinces may be added, such as Constantine, Batna, and Tiaret,” he said.
France Visit: “A Historic Rendezvous Not to Be Missed”
President Tebboune confirmed the continuation of his planned visit to France, describing it as a historic milestone. He emphasized the maturation of Algerian-French relations and the significance of addressing historical issues, such as the French National Assembly’s acknowledgment of the events of October 17, 1961.
“My visit to France is still on the agenda, and my meeting with President Macron will be a historic moment, during which we will approach matters rationally rather than emotionally,” stated the President of the Republic.
“We are currently in a phase of rebuilding relations between the two countries,” he affirmed, while discussing the issue of memory.
“A group is working on the issue of memory, which we will not abandon, just as we will not compromise on our duty to our brave martyrs, whether they are martyrs of the national resistance or those of the Glorious Liberation Revolution,” he assured.
In the same context, the President of the Republic praised “the positive action of the French National Assembly in recognizing the crime committed by Maurice Papon against members of the Algerian community in France on October 17, 1961,” emphasizing that this recognition constitutes “a positive step.”
Palestine: “Time for Full UN Membership”
President Tebboune highlighted Algeria’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He emphasized Algeria’s efforts in rallying the Palestinian diaspora and mobilizing the Arab League, fostering genuine hope for Palestine’s achievement of permanent UN membership. President Tebboune noted that several European countries have already voiced support for Palestinian statehood and expressed readiness to recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation.
Asserting Algeria’s steadfast stance, President Tebboune reiterated that the battle for Palestinian statehood is paramount, emphasizing that Palestine deserves full UN membership despite being under occupation. He affirmed Algeria’s principled approach, stating that Palestine will eventually achieve permanent membership status, building upon its current status as an observer member.
President Tebboune emphasized the imperative of halting the Zionist entity’s aggression and atrocities across Palestine, particularly in Gaza. He urged major powers to compel the Zionist entity to respect UN Security Council resolutions, particularly those related to ceasefire agreements in Gaza. President Tebboune underscored the need to address the double standards evident in international responses to the Gaza crisis, calling for genuine humanitarian action to prevent further suffering.
Highlighting Algeria’s diplomatic endeavors, President Tebboune recalled Algeria’s historical role in expelling the apartheid regime from international forums, including the UN and African organizations. He refuted accusations of racism leveled against Algeria, citing the country’s successful diplomatic interventions in various global crises, such as mediating the Iran-Iraq conflict and securing the release of American hostages.
President Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to transparency and adherence to international law, emphasizing the country’s consistent support for the UN since independence. He underscored Algeria’s principled diplomacy and its unwavering solidarity with the oppressed, even at the expense of diplomatic relationships.
Maghreb, Western Sahara: Clarifications
The President of the Republic outlined Algeria’s approach to creating a new regional bloc with Tunisia and Libya. “We are filling the void left by the UMA. While there are several blocs in Africa, there is no North African bloc. We are establishing a framework, without excluding any party, to unify our positions. There is an agreement with Tunisia and Libya to create an entity for coordination and collaborative work. This is not directed against any country. The door is open to our Western neighbors, even if they have chosen other paths without consulting us,” he elaborated.
On the Western Sahara issue, President Tebboune reiterated that Algeria’s stance was not directed against Morocco. “The Sahrawi question is a just cause. Our position is not directed against our Moroccan brothers. It is a matter of decolonization. If we act with reason, far from the logic of force, we will find a solution,” stated the head of state on the matter.
President Tebboune Affirms Algeria’s Sovereignty Amid Hostile Acts by Arab Nation
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune asserted Algeria’s stance of sovereignty and non-submission in response to recent hostile actions by an unnamed Arab nation.
Dubbing the actions of the Arab country as “illogical,” President Tebboune emphasized that Algeria has refrained from using any aggressive language in its interactions with its Arab brothers.
While refraining from directly naming the country, President Tebboune reiterated Algeria’s commitment to viewing it as a fraternal nation, expressing hope for the cessation of such hostile behavior.
“Algeria will not bow to anyone,” declared President Tebboune, urging the country in question to draw lessons from nations that command respect and reciprocity in international relations.
He emphasized that no one can impose their will on Algeria, citing the nation’s sacrifice of over 5.6 million martyrs for its sovereignty as a testament to its unwavering commitment to independence and self-determination throughout history.
President Tebboune also referenced the utilization of funds by the same country in neighboring nations’ events, urging it to refrain from sowing discord and internal strife.
President Tebboune Affirms Algeria’s Neighborly Relations and Mediation Efforts in Mali and Niger
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reiterated Algeria’s longstanding commitment to fostering positive neighborly relations with Mali and Niger, emphasizing the country’s history of peaceful coexistence and non-interference in the affairs of its neighboring states since gaining independence.
President Tebboune underscored Algeria’s role as a mediator in resolving conflicts in Mali, highlighting the country’s efforts to reconcile warring factions and restore stability. He noted that Algeria’s mediation efforts were recognized by the United Nations, which entrusted Algeria with coordinating reconciliation initiatives among Malian parties.
Emphasizing Algeria’s non-imperialistic approach, President Tebboune affirmed that Algeria has never sought to impose its will on Mali or Niger. Instead, Algeria views these nations as fraternal partners and has offered assistance without expecting anything in return, including plans for establishing free trade zones and providing military and educational support.
President Tebboune emphasized Algeria’s commitment to regional stability and reiterated its support for the territorial integrity and national unity of Mali. He cautioned against foreign interference in the region, warning that such interventions only exacerbate existing challenges and hinder prospects for peaceful solutions.
Rejecting any notion of Algerian aggression or coercion, President Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s stance as a reliable and supportive neighbor, ready to assist Mali and Niger in addressing their internal challenges and combating terrorism. He expressed hope for the resolution of regional issues and reiterated Algeria’s willingness to extend support to its neighbors in the spirit of mutual cooperation and good neighborliness.
President Tebboune Expresses Appreciation for Algerian Youth’s Affection as “Ammi ‘Uncle’ Tebboune”
President Tebboune also shared his sentiment regarding Algerian youth affectionately referring to him as “Ammi Tebboune,” or ‘Uncle Tebboune’ expressing appreciation for their recognition and acknowledging a paternal connection with the younger generation.
President Tebboune Announces Measures for Algerian Community Abroad, Pledges to Regularize “Harraga” Status
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the Algerian diaspora and addressing the issue of irregular migration.
President Tebboune disclosed the possibility for Algerian expatriates to register themselves in provisional electoral lists at Algerian consulates worldwide starting next week.
“The Algerian diaspora abroad can contact consulates to register themselves in provisional electoral lists, with consulates playing a crucial role in managing these lists before their integration into official ones,” stated President Tebboune.
Furthermore, the President highlighted the decision by the Independent National Electoral Authority to establish provisional lists for the electorate at consulate levels in anticipation of upcoming electoral events. He emphasized the importance of these lists for future electoral revisions.
“The official time frame for the periodic electoral revision referred to will be determined when the decree summoning the electoral authority is signed. Subsequently, the revision of electoral lists will commence,” affirmed President Tebboune.
Regarding the status of Algerians residing abroad in an irregular manner, President Tebboune assured that the issue would be addressed within a period not exceeding two months.
“I am committed to resolving this matter, and everyone’s status will be rectified unless there are security or legal concerns,” President Tebboune stated. He confirmed that instructions had been issued on this matter, and the Ministry of Interior would commence processing the files.
Socio-economic Situation of Citizens
During the interview, President Tebboune addressed several questions, particularly those concerning the current and future state of the country’s economy and its impact on the socio-economic situation of citizens, as well as on investment and the development of key sectors. The President predicted a continuity of the country’s economic development, estimating that this growth will be marked by promising figures that will position Algeria as “an emerging country rather than a developing one.”
According to the President, national economic accounting is evidence of the economic growth experienced by several economic sectors. He added that what proves our optimism is the fact that for the first time, Algeria’s figures are not contradictory to those of international organizations, notably the IMF and the World Bank. “When we talk about a growth rate of 4.2%, it’s a real figure approved by international organizations, which proves that we are on the right path,” he assured.
In this regard, President Tebboune emphasized that this approach obliges us to continue our efforts to “reach the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, probably the first semester, with a GDP exceeding 400 billion dollars.” This figure will be supported by key sectors such as agriculture, which currently contributes 18% to the GDP.
Wage Increase and Investment Reforms Spearheaded by Algerian President
The economic prosperity generated enables the funding of the planned salary hikes, particularly as the government, having already raised salaries by 47%, commits to supplementing the remaining 53% to achieve a total increase of 100% by 2026/2027.
3 Axes to Preserve Purchasing Power
Mr. Tebboune indicated that, in order to protect citizens’ purchasing power, the state has outlined three axes. The first is social and involves increasing salaries and unemployment benefits, among others. The second concerns protecting the value of the dinar. On this point, the President affirmed that it is necessary to increase the value of the national currency through mechanisms at the central bank level. He emphasized that this measure aims to reduce the value of imports and thereby support purchasing power.
In this context, he clarified that the depreciation of the dinar occurred in a specific context and under “illogical circumstances marked by the injection of funds through the printing press, the repercussions of which we are experiencing today.”
Regarding the third axis, it involves combating inflation, which currently stands at around 7 to 8%, and “must decrease to a maximum of 4%,” he insisted. In addition to these axes, the President also highlighted the importance of investments, noting that the Algerian Agency for Investment Promotion has recorded over 6,000 projects, half of which are already in the implementation phase.
Price Stability of Consumer Goods in Algeria
President of the Republic noted that citizens “generally express satisfaction with the availability and prices” of products, thanks to pre-emptive measures taken by the authorities to regulate the market for widely consumed products, including meat, whose importation program was launched four months before Ramadan.
In addition to this, direct sales initiatives, from producer to consumer without intermediaries, have been implemented, according to the President, who renewed his thanks to representatives of Algerian traders and the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA) for their efforts and commitment to the Ministry of Commerce’s strategy to stabilize prices.
He also expressed hope for the market to maintain the same stable trend “throughout the year,” citing abundant production of various consumer goods, especially agricultural products.
President Advocates for Decentralized Approach to Food Security
President of the Republic discussed the issue of food security, stating that the approach in this field should empower professionals themselves, moving away from centralized administrative control.
“I don’t believe that the Ministry of Agriculture should control agricultural production in Tamanrasset, Djelfa, or El Meniaa from the capital,” he said.
“Agriculture requires initiative, and the National Union of Algerian Farmers (UNPA) should take the lead with the assistance of the state, particularly through the establishment of cooperatives,” he declared.
Private Sector Vital for Agricultural Development, Says Algerian President
President of the Republic emphasized that “the private sector is the cornerstone of agricultural development, with the ministry intervening for guidance and organization of agricultural activity.”
He lamented the lack of precise agricultural statistics, leading to the preparation for the launch of the General Agricultural Census (GAC), emphasizing that the absence of accurate data prompts the state to import certain products based on the country’s financial capacity rather than needs or demand levels.
However, the President praised the high level achieved in several provinces of the country in agricultural and livestock production, noting that some provinces have achieved “miraculous” results, such as El Oued, Biskra, and Boumerdes. He also commended the high technical level adopted by a significant number of investors in various agricultural sectors.
A Saharan Agriculture Project of 100,000 Hectares
As long as the agricultural sector is concerned, the President affirmed that the development of this sector is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture but requires initiative. He emphasized the importance of statistics and digitization in launching real investment projects in this area.
In the same context, Mr. Tebboune highlighted the significance of Saharan agriculture, which, according to him, has an area close to 3 to 3.5 million hectares, in addition to abundant water and several natural advantages. However, for years, this region has remained limited to only 100,000 hectares. In this regard, the President underscored the government’s new policy aiming to integrate the industrial sector with agriculture through agro-food factories to reduce imports and pursue a genuine agricultural policy.
Dairy Powder Production Project in Adrar Province
President Tebboune discussed the topic of pilot farms covering an area of 164,000 hectares, recalling the recent decision of the state to orient these farms towards the cultivation of specific products such as vegetable oils, fruit tree cultivation, or the intensification of cereal production.
He mentioned, in this context, an upcoming agreement with a “respected Arab partner” for a project involving 100,000 heads of cattle, which will enable the production of milk powder for the first time in Algeria, in the province of Adrar. He emphasized that “the future belongs to Saharan agriculture” in Algeria.
The value of the national agricultural production amounts to 35 billion USD, representing 18% of the gross domestic product (GDP), compared to over 5% for the industrial sector, stated the President of the Republic.
Nearly 6,000 New Projects on AAPI’s Table
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed the investment sector, stating that nearly 6,000 new projects are currently under consideration by the Algerian Agency for Investment Promotion (AAPI).
“On AAPI’s agenda, there are nearly 6,000 economic investment projects, with nearly half already underway,” he asserted, highlighting that by 2026, most of these projects will be completed, contributing to job creation and wealth generation.
The President also noted that, thanks to regained stability, 84 foreign investors are interested in investing in Algeria.
No More Investment Blockages
In response to inquiries regarding the recently established National High Commission for Investment Appeals, the President assured that its decisions would be “enforceable,” emphasizing its role as a measure to instill investor confidence and eliminate administrative hurdles to expedite investment realization.
Furthermore, the President extended gratitude to “all upright national investors,” such as the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA), who have demonstrated faith in their country’s economic prospects.
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