President Tebboune Urged to Lead Education System Refoundation

A recent contribution has called for President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to undertake a comprehensive refoundation of the Algerian school system, viewing it as a major economic imperative rather than simply a pedagogical adjustment. This proposal, articulated by Ahmed Tessa in a published interview, and supported by Zaim Bensaci, former president of the National Consultative Council for the Promotion of SMEs, underscores the need for high-level political will to drive such a transformative project. President Tebboune previously demonstrated this resolve on September 6 by instructing that schools be kept free from “all ideological currents” and reserving reforms exclusively for the Council of Ministers, an action seen as a decisive end to sterile debate.

The call for refoundation incorporates several key economic considerations. It suggests an impact study on the budgetary implications of thousands of potentially overstaffed French language teachers. Additionally, it advocates for viewing plurilingualism as a significant economic asset, rather than solely an identity choice. This perspective highlights its importance for national competitiveness in sectors such as hospitality, export, and tourism, where proficiency in languages like French, English, and Arabic is crucial. The proposal also stresses the importance of opening the sector to private expertise, with a recommendation for a new set of specifications for private schools, drawing inspiration from models found in countries like Germany or Switzerland.

Ultimately, the successful launch and sustained effort of this refoundation project are seen as requiring the unique authority of the President of the Republic. This leadership would need to be combined with on-the-ground pedagogical and economic expertise to avoid past errors of hasty implementation. President Tebboune’s demonstrated clarity and consistency in exercising power, particularly in his September directives, are cited as evidence of his capacity to lead such a lasting and impactful national endeavor.