Algiers, January 6, 2026 – The General Secretary of the Algerian Union of Traders and Craftsmen (UGCAA), Issam Bedrissi, has refuted rumors of a planned strike by merchants scheduled for January 8th. Bedrissi firmly stated that these calls are baseless and designed to destabilize the national economy.
During a press conference held today, Bedrissi emphasized that these campaigns are “malicious and not innocent, aiming to disrupt traders who form the backbone of the national economy.” He revealed that the campaigns originated with taxi drivers and transporters, spreading misinformation through social media platforms with the intent of “intimidating transporters regarding the draft traffic law.”
Bedrissi reassured the public that channels for dialogue remain open. “We have gathered various proposals from federations affiliated with the Union, and their issues are being addressed at the working group level, which will meet today,” he stated. “There are solutions, and the doors of dialogue are open with complete transparency, credibility, and honesty.”
Addressing concerns about fluctuations in the transportation of goods, Bedrissi affirmed that “today, all routes have returned to normal operation.” He also mentioned his visit to the Es-Senia market yesterday, stating, “We spoke with traders at the Es-Senia market, and they confirmed that there will be no strike on January 8th, as promoted by some Facebook pages.”
Furthermore, Issam Bedrissi urged traders not to be swayed by these campaigns, which seek to disrupt their activities and destabilize the market. He emphasized that traders are “aware of the challenges facing Algeria” and should remain focused on maintaining stability and economic growth. The UGCAA remains committed to supporting its members and ensuring a stable trading environment.
