Date Published: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Category: Algeria
Algiers – President Abdelmadjid Tebboune emphasized on Tuesday in Algiers that local authorities are the cornerstone of the state.
In his speech at the opening of the government meeting with provincial governors at the Palais des Nations in Club des Pins, held under the theme “Local Authorities: A Driver of National Development,” President Tebboune highlighted that local authorities represent “the frontline between the state and citizens” and are “the foundation of the state.” He stressed the need to “revisit the laws governing provinces and municipalities to better reflect the people’s local aspirations.”
The President announced a “comprehensive review of the legal framework, focusing on the powers, resources, and classification of municipalities.” This aims to “establish financial and economic balance between wealthy and less affluent municipalities.” Additionally, he revealed plans for the state to assume responsibility for managing certain facilities to alleviate financial strain on municipalities.
President Tebboune proposed allowing municipalities to transfer some public services, such as waste management, to local enterprises while implementing legal accountability mechanisms. He also noted that under the new framework, provincial council heads would be granted full financial authority, making them fully accountable for local governance.
On another note, the President pointed out that over 6.5 million Algerians have benefited from development initiatives in underserved areas, criticizing some officials who had neglected these responsibilities. He reminded the audience: “We are all here to serve the people, from the President to the simplest public servant.”
Touching on Algeria’s resilience, President Tebboune declared, “This country, whose veins flow with the blood of martyrs, cannot be undermined by mere hashtags.”
He called for completing the facades of unfinished buildings and creating legal mechanisms to finance citizens’ home construction. Additionally, he advocated for providing land for small professional activities in designated areas to promote local crafts.
The President urged local officials to adhere to administrative protocols in receiving citizens, especially young people, to address their concerns.
Regarding provincial governors, President Tebboune reaffirmed their protection, emphasizing that errors in governance would be addressed unless they constituted clear acts of corruption. He cautioned against remnants of the “clique” who attempt to intimidate local officials using media to deter them from their duties.
President Tebboune also underscored the importance of combating bureaucracy through comprehensive digitization, which is nearing completion.
On the issue of seawater desalination, he announced that Algeria would “activate five desalination plants before Ramadan, God willing,” urging governors to integrate water reuse programs across all provinces.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
