Responses from the Prime Minister to Deputies: “Improving Purchasing Power Is a Priority

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- October 15, 2023- In a reassuring response to the concerns raised by deputies during the general debate on the general policy declaration presented earlier this week, Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane affirmed that enhancing the purchasing power of citizens stands as one of the foremost priorities for the President of the Republic and, by extension, the government. The commitment to this vital issue remains steadfast, regardless of the prevailing financial and economic conditions within the country.

The Prime Minister’s address highlighted several key initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Algerian citizens in their daily lives, particularly in the realm of food security.

Benabderrahmane announced that the government is in the final stages of drafting regulatory measures that will control the profit margins of retailers, wholesalers, and distributors of consumer products. This significant step is set to bolster economic stability and alleviate the burden on the average household.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the government’s determination to ensure the availability of dried vegetables on the market at reasonable prices. In this context, he expressed concerns over the continued import of products like “lentils and dried beans,” emphasizing the need to expand the production area for legumes and dry cereals to an impressive 150,000 hectares.

“We will no longer import what can be grown at home,” Benabderrahmane asserted. His emphasis on self-reliance in agriculture underscores a commitment to reducing dependency on international markets and price fluctuations. The call for domestic agricultural expansion is coupled with the imperative of opening storage areas to accommodate the anticipated increase in locally grown produce.

The Prime Minister’s message resonates with a broader vision for the nation’s economic stability and food security. Achieving food self-sufficiency, as outlined by Benabderrahmane, is essential for insulating the nation from the volatility of international markets, ensuring a steady supply of essential goods, and enhancing the purchasing power of Algerian citizens.