President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed a message on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) and the 55th anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons. Prime Minister Saifi Gharib delivered the President’s message marking this double anniversary.
In the message, the President stated that February 24 serves as an annual occasion to commemorate two pivotal events: the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers in 1956 and the nationalization of hydrocarbons in 1971. He noted that this occasion celebrates a landmark day in the history of the blessed liberation revolution, during which Algerian workers joined the armed struggle, reflecting the entire nation’s embrace of its glorious revolution.
The President paid tribute to the generation of founding workers and unionists, including the symbolic martyr Aissat Idir, whose legacy of defending Algeria continues through generations. He also honored the martyrs of national duty from the union’s ranks, led by the martyr Abdelhak Benhamouda, as ultimate examples of patriotism and loyalty to the principles of the November 1st Revolution.
Regarding the nationalization of hydrocarbons, the message recalled the historic sovereign decision of February 24, 1971. The President praised the engineers and technicians who ensured the continuity of energy production with the resources available at the time. He emphasized that today’s workforce continues this legacy, managing the entire value chain of the oil and gas industry, from exploration and production to transport and marketing.
The President highlighted Algeria’s current standing as the world’s seventh-largest gas exporter, the third-largest supplier to the European market, and the holder of the third-largest oil reserves in Africa. He expressed confidence in the future, driven by the expertise of Algerian workers to implement strategies for renewing oil and gas reserves and developing manufacturing industries.
The message also expressed appreciation for those involved in major national projects, citing the Western Mining Railway line as a testament to the feasibility and realism of current national policies and sovereign decision-making. The President described this approach as reflecting the doctrine of the “New Algeria,” which remains deeply rooted in the heritage of the liberation revolution while maintaining a pragmatic outlook on international cooperation and partnerships based on mutual interests.
In conclusion, the President renewed his greetings to all workers of the General Union of Algerian Workers and the hydrocarbon sector, encouraging them to draw strength from past challenges to further develop the nation’s capabilities and increase its production capacity.
Reference: link
