The Secretary-General of the National Democratic Rally (RND), Munther Bouden, has urged the President to exercise his constitutional powers and grant a presidential pardon to certain individuals facing legal proceedings. The appeal was made during a public gathering in Beni Abbes province on Saturday.
Bouden specifically requested the President to consider pardoning those who, in his words, “erred in a moment of passion.” He stated, “Today, we stand at a stage where the doors of hope are opened to all who erred in a moment of passion. We place our full confidence in the wisdom of the President to embrace everyone, strengthen national unity, and thwart those who trade in despair.”
“We call on the President to pardon certain cases and implore him to use his constitutional powers to strengthen the internal front and turn the page on the past with a spirit of tolerance, to build a future based on trust and unity,” he added.
This appeal comes on the heels of the President’s pardon of writer Boualem Sansal, following a request from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Speaking about his party’s belief in freedom of expression, which he affirmed they “defend with unwavering conviction,” Bouden emphasized that “the right to express oneself does not mean resorting to insults, slander, defamation, questioning national identity, or inciting discord among the sons of the same people.”
Bouden also touched upon the national dialogue, predicting that it will convene during the first trimester of 2026. “We expect the national dialogue to convene during the first trimester of 2026, which is a historic opportunity to redraw the political landscape and safeguard its future,” he stated.
In closing, Bouden noted that this important event requires “a spirit of responsibility and a sincere will, far removed from political manipulation and trading in illusions.” He stressed the importance of genuine commitment to ensure the success of the dialogue and its positive impact on the nation’s future.
