Presidential Campaign Heats Up in Algeria: A Closer Look at the Candidates and Their Promises

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 17th, 2024 — The second day of Algeria’s electoral campaign for the anticipated presidential election of September 7, 2024, has set the tone for what is shaping up to be a high-stakes political contest. The three contenders—independent candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Socialist Forces Front (FFS) candidate Youcef Aouchiche, and Society for Peace Movement (MSP) candidate Abdelali Hassani Cherif—have each begun to carve out their distinct paths toward Algeria’s highest office, emphasizing different priorities and strategies to win the electorate’s favor.

Tebboune Emphasizes Economic Stability and Social Welfare

Running as an independent but supported by the powerful coalition of the FLN, RND, and El Moustakbal Front, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune launched his campaign by reflecting on his achievements during his first term. Speaking on national television, Tebboune highlighted his administration’s successes in stabilizing the economy and bolstering Algeria’s financial health. He pointed to the reduction of inflation from 11% to 6% and the recovery of national assets lost to corruption, including industrial units in Algeria and a hotel in Spain.

“We inherited a rentier economy on the brink of collapse,” Tebboune remarked, underscoring the systemic corruption and reliance on imports that characterized the pre-2019 era. “We have reclaimed 51 industrial units and begun to recover stolen assets abroad, thanks to our ongoing cooperation with international partners like Spain,” he added.

Tebboune also outlined ambitious social policies for a second term, pledging to increase salaries by up to 100% by 2027 and promising further reductions in taxes on middle and lower-income earners. He noted that his policies have already raised salaries by 47% and vowed to continue increasing pensions. “The priority is to safeguard the purchasing power of our citizens and to ensure that the state’s social programs reach those most in need,” he said.

Aouchiche Calls for Democratic Reform and Economic Diversification

In stark contrast to Tebboune’s state-centered approach, Youcef Aouchiche of the FFS has framed his candidacy around deepening Algeria’s democratic institutions and reforming the semi-presidential system. Launching his campaign in the iconic districts of Bab El Oued, the Casbah, and Martyrs Square, Aouchiche engaged directly with citizens, urging them to seize the opportunity to enact real political change.

“Our goal is to rebuild trust between the people and the state,” Aouchiche said, emphasizing the need for a more accountable and transparent government. He called for the establishment of a semi-presidential system that would empower the Parliament while balancing the executive’s influence. “This is the time to restore the rule of law and ensure that every Algerian feels that their voice matters,” he stated.

Aouchiche’s campaign is centered around addressing the country’s youth unemployment crisis, diversifying the economy away from its dependence on hydrocarbons, and modernizing Algeria’s financial and banking systems. “We must break free from the rentier economy that has shackled our nation for too long,” he told supporters, adding that his administration would cap food prices and eliminate income taxes for workers earning below 50,000 dinars per month. His vision for economic reform includes boosting agricultural productivity and supporting small businesses.

Hassani Cherif’s “Forsa” Campaign Champions Opportunity and Freedom

Meanwhile, Abdelali Hassani Cherif of the MSP has taken a different approach, focusing on symbolic locations tied to Algeria’s historical struggle for independence and political freedom. Launching his “Forsa” (Opportunity) campaign at the historic home of the late revolutionary figure Lyès Deriche in Al Madania, Hassani Cherif set out to present his platform as a new chapter in Algeria’s development.

“Our program, Forsa, offers an opportunity for every Algerian to thrive in a secure, dignified, and prosperous country,” Hassani Cherif proclaimed during a rally in Algiers. His program includes pledges to ensure press freedom, protect journalists, and uphold public and individual liberties. “We guarantee journalists the freedom to do their work without fear of censorship or reprisal,” he stated at the Place de la Liberté de la Presse.

Hassani Cherif’s campaign also aims to tackle economic challenges through the expansion of agricultural lands and the creation of strategic food reserves to combat price inflation. At a campaign stop at the covered market El Fath, he emphasized the importance of ensuring food security and preventing speculation in agricultural markets. He reiterated that his administration would prioritize transparency and equity, with a special focus on supporting marginalized communities and ensuring that Algeria remains an independent and sovereign nation.

Campaigns Gain Momentum as Candidates Seek Public Support

The coming weeks will see these candidates—and their supporters—crisscross the country in their bid to win over a diverse and often divided electorate. With each candidate offering a distinct vision for Algeria’s future, the race for the presidency is only just beginning, but the tone has undoubtedly been set. The electorate will now decide which vision best meets the challenges facing the country as it prepares for a new era of governance.