Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Category: Algeria
Title: Full Text of the President’s Speech at the Opening of the Government-Walis Meeting
Location: Algiers – The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, delivered a speech on Tuesday at the opening of the Government-Walis meeting held at the Palace of Nations, Club des Pins (Algiers). Below is the full text of the speech:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful,
Peace and blessings be upon His noble Prophet, his family, and his companions until the Day of Judgment.
- Mr. President of the Council of the Nation,
- Mr. President of the People’s National Assembly,
- Mr. Prime Minister,
- Mr. President of the Constitutional Court,
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Government,
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Walis,
- Esteemed attendees,
Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
I am pleased to address you at the opening of this significant meeting of the government and the walis. I emphasize the importance of making this gathering an opportunity to address the requirements of sustainable local development, encompassing diverse and rich local economic activities. The results of your deliberations should enhance the progress already achieved in improving social conditions, raising living standards, and ensuring dignified living, particularly in the most isolated regions.
Having successfully established new principles of local governance rooted in citizen participation, developmental equity, and strict management of public funds, we are tasked with embedding modern management practices both in mindset and execution.
To overcome the challenges faced by local communities, I recently established an expert committee to draft new municipal and provincial laws. These laws aim to eliminate barriers and position municipalities and provinces as pillars of institutional frameworks and effective tools for local development. In this context, we have introduced:
- State Support: Financial aid for municipalities facing economic challenges.
- Municipal Classification: Tailoring policies to suit the urban, rural, and developmental realities of each municipality.
- Economic Empowerment: Mechanisms such as participatory development plans, access to loans, and public-private partnerships.
- Enhanced Roles for Local Authorities: Granting decision-making powers to municipal councils in areas directly impacting citizens’ lives, complemented by local taxation reforms.
This initiative aligns with our commitments to provide local entities with a flexible legal framework that encourages initiative, making local governance a reflection of state care for public affairs.
Promoting Equitable Development
Equitable development is not merely a slogan but a professional commitment and moral duty. This vision has already led to establishing new provinces, upgrading administrative divisions, and preparing for regional restructuring by 2025. This will be followed by updates to sectoral plans to align with local needs.
The state has made significant progress in addressing developmental disparities in regions like Khenchela, Tissemsilt, Djelfa, and Tindouf. Similar efforts will expand to other provinces.
Improving Citizens’ Living Standards
The considerable financial resources allocated to local entities empower walis to tackle pressing issues such as urban cleanliness, environmental safety, and urban planning. Municipal authorities must focus on regularizing unfinished buildings, urban aesthetics, and providing essential facilities in new neighborhoods.
Combating Drugs and Engaging Youth
The government will develop a national strategy within three months to combat drugs and psychotropic substances, involving various stakeholders to protect our youth. Municipalities will allocate mini-industrial zones for young entrepreneurs to support SMEs and startups.
Economic Revival and Agricultural Development
Economic revival remains a core objective, leveraging the country’s abundant resources. Walis are expected to:
- Facilitate productive investments of all sizes.
- Expedite the resolution of pending investment projects.
- Improve land availability for the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency.
In agriculture, we must intensify efforts to optimize land use, enhance rural electrification, improve water access, and increase storage capacity.
Infrastructure and Modernization
Key infrastructure projects, including desalination plants and railway network expansions, must adhere to deadlines. Mining projects in the southwest and east also require accelerated implementation.
I urge all loyal Algerians to work together to strengthen governance and build a modern administration that reflects Algeria’s victorious spirit and aspirations for a bright future.
Eternal glory to our martyrs.
I hereby declare this meeting officially open. May your efforts be fruitful.
Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Source: DZWATCH.DZ
Author: Nor-Eleslam
