Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called on executives from all around the country’s provinces to complete building a “new Algeria” and “stop making false promises” to citizens.
His remarks were made during a meeting in the capital, Algiers, in which government officials, governors, and a large number of local elects.
“You are all obliged to make changes at the local level, in light of what Algeria is currently facing,” Tebboune said in his addressing speech, adding that officials shall also approach citizens to break the barrier built during the former ruling era between the citizens and the state in order to restore the lost trust.
The President was referring to the 20-year ruling period of the ousted President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Tebboune was a minister and then prime minister during this period, and for many years. His rivals say he is “part of Bouteflika’s regime.”
He stressed on countering indifference and the belittling of citizens’ issues, noting that this can only be possible by relying on competent cadres.
Commenting on the ongoing popular uprising despite electing a new president, Tebboune said the peaceful popular movement in the country represents people’s will.
He said Algerians went to transparent and fair elections in December and reaffirmed their adherence to radical change.
It has been one year since the popular movement, under the protection of the National Army, he said, adding that people have been demanding change and rejecting the adventure that almost led to the collapse of the state and its pillars.
With the term “adventure”, Tebboune was referring to Bouteflika’s running for a fifth term despite his illness.
He asserted that the presidential elections, which brought him to power “were transparent and reflected people’s will.”
This meeting coincided with the preparations by the popular movement to commemorate the first anniversary of the protests that toppled Bouteflika’s regime.
A number of demonstrators still confirm in their continuous protests every Friday and Saturday that nothing has fulfilled their demands, especially those related to freedoms, the release of detainees, and democratization.
According to protesters, nothing has changed since Bouteflika’s era as media outlets are still exposed to security harassment and opposition parties are prevented from meeting in public places.
