Minister of Culture, Soraya Mouloudji, has issued a strong directive to cultural directorates across the nation, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration and an end to internal conflicts. Speaking at a recent evaluation meeting in Algiers, titled ‘From Administration to Management,’ the Minister expressed her disappointment at the lack of coordination within some regional cultural bodies.
The Minister highlighted instances where personal disputes and sensitivities have led to a complete breakdown in teamwork, significantly hindering cultural progress in certain regions. She stated that these conflicts often stem from a misunderstanding of roles and responsibilities, with some individuals overstepping their authority.
Ben Daouda clarified the role of the Director of Culture, emphasizing that while they represent the Ministry at the regional level, they are not absolute authorities. Each cultural institution maintains its own operational independence, and the duties and powers of all managers must be respected.
The Minister issued strict instructions, the implementation of which she pledged to personally oversee. She stressed the importance of coordination, understanding, and harmony among officials at the local, regional, and central levels. Ben Daouda further announced that future performance evaluations would be based on the realization of this harmony, focusing on performance indicators, goal achievement, efficiency, and productivity.
Ben Daouda called for overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, achieving efficiency and effectiveness, and working collaboratively across sectors to embody governmental solidarity. She encouraged opening institutions to civil society, associations, and cultural actors, fostering collaboration and innovation.
“You are required to innovate and take initiative,” Ben Daouda told the cultural directors, “making culture break free from its confines and engage with the vibrancy of the streets and daily life, becoming a continuous celebration and ongoing creation.”
