Algiers – On Sunday, the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Minister of National Defense, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers. The session addressed several key topics, including a draft law on insurance, proposals regarding Algeria-European Union partnership, and updates on grain silo construction projects. The full text of the statement from the Council of Ministers is as follows:
The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, presided over a meeting of the Council of Ministers today, which focused on:
- A draft law concerning insurance.
- Proposals on Algeria-European Union partnership.
- Updates on the progress of grain silo construction projects.
After the Prime Minister presented the government’s activities over the past two weeks and ministers delivered their reports, the President issued the following orders, directives, and instructions:
1. On University Student Stipends:
- A committee comprising the Minister of Higher Education, the Minister of Youth (in charge of the Supreme Youth Council), and the Minister of Finance has been tasked with submitting a report at the next Council of Ministers meeting on increasing university student stipends.
- The comprehensive reform plan for university services should include a revision of the stipend and student housing systems.
2. On the Right to Union Activity:
- The President instructed that the law on union activity must ensure respect for the right to unionize and provide training in this field.
- The law must also establish clear standards for transparency in union practices and ensure genuine representation.
3. On Preparations for the Hajj Season:
- The President directed the state to bear the increased costs of Hajj, maintaining the same fees as last season.
4. On Algeria-EU Partnership:
- The President emphasized that revising the Algeria-European Union agreement is based on realistic economic considerations. Since its implementation in 2005, Algeria’s exports were primarily reliant on hydrocarbons. Today, however, non-hydrocarbon exports have diversified significantly, including agricultural products, minerals, cement, and foodstuffs.
- He stressed that revising the agreement is not due to disputes but rather to strengthen the positive relationship between Algeria and the EU, rooted in a win-win economic partnership.
- He reiterated that Algeria does not prohibit imports except for locally produced items that sufficiently meet domestic demand.
- The President issued strict instructions to the government to counter any attempts to tarnish Algeria’s image among global brands by facilitating and encouraging investments. He highlighted the importance of supporting youth in marketing renowned international brands, particularly in large commercial spaces such as malls, which attract significant youth interest.
- The goal remains to rationalize and organize imports while addressing persistent speculation on imported goods such as spare parts, which have not been banned and remain available for importation.
5. On the Draft Law Concerning Insurance:
- The President directed the enrichment of the draft law to align with the country’s financial sovereignty.
- He encouraged operators in this sector to invest and establish Algerian private banks to further stimulate the national economy.
6. On the Progress of Grain Silo Construction Projects:
- The President commended the progress made on silo projects in preparation for the harvest season, which is expected to expand storage capacity to 5 million tons for the first time.
- He instructed the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to expedite the completion of the remaining silo projects to bolster food security strategies.
- The President also called for the expansion of silo construction to municipalities known for their consistent and abundant grain production.
Before concluding the meeting, the Council of Ministers approved several individual decisions concerning appointments and dismissals from senior state positions.
For more details, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
