Fateh Boutbig, President of the El-Moustakbal Front, stated that the acceptance of the proposed bill to criminalize colonialism by the Bureau of the National People’s Assembly and its referral to the specialized committee is a token of loyalty to the sacrifices of martyrs and mujahideen. He described it as a fundamental pillar for protecting national memory against various attacks targeting Algeria.
In a recent interview, Boutbig addressed several topics, including the instruction from the President of the National People’s Assembly regarding political nomadism, as well as anticipated amendments to the laws governing political parties and elections.
Regarding the instruction on political nomadism for deputies, Boutbig explained that parliamentary work and political affiliation are tied to constitutional procedures. He noted that the current Algerian Constitution ensures that a deputy’s political affiliation remains unchanged to prevent the loss of their parliamentary status. He emphasized that the instruction from the President of the National People’s Assembly serves as a commitment to the Constitution, aimed at ensuring the stability of political blocs within the parliament.
On the subject of the organic law on elections and the law on political parties, Boutbig highlighted a constitutional necessity following the 2020 Constitution to adapt all laws organizing political life, institutions, and rights. He stated that the amendment of the organic law on political parties is both a constitutional requirement and a reformist demand from the parties themselves. He noted that the President of the Republic involved political parties in drafting the bill to better frame political activity and address previous shortcomings. Regarding the organic law on elections, he mentioned that past experiences with the Independent National Authority for Elections provide a basis for reviewing its mechanisms to achieve greater efficiency in the electoral process.
Commenting on the proposal to criminalize colonialism and its impact on relations with France, Boutbig described the bill as a national asset and a historic event. He stated it is a necessary tribute to the immense sacrifices of the Algerian people and a means to protect national memory from attempts to diminish its history. He added that the law aims to provide a solid legal framework for national memory and the path to independence, emphasizing the need to recognize the crimes committed during 132 years of colonial rule. Boutbig clarified that the law is not intended to hinder international relations but rather to ensure that Algeria interacts on the basis of equality and dignity.
Regarding France’s potential reaction to the bill, Boutbig asserted that the Algerian people, having paid a heavy price for their freedom, do not wait for external reactions. He maintained that the law is consistent with international humanitarian law, international agreements, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, framing it as a natural right for Algerians and their national memory.
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