Parliament Committee Seeks Citizen Protection in 2027 Finance Bill

Algeria's National People's Assembly (APN) Finance and Budget Committee has proposed several amendments to the 2027 Finance Bill, marking a significant step in the legislative review process. The committee's preliminary report, presented following the Finance Minister's address in a plenary session, details proposed changes to fifteen existing articles and the introduction of six new articles. These amendments are categorized into two main areas: linguistic corrections aimed at enhancing legal precision within five articles, and substantive modifications affecting fifteen articles, in addition to the newly proposed additions.

Among the key substantive amendments, the committee has recommended altering Article 218 to require parliamentary approval for any revisions to fuel prices by concerned parties. This proposal is intended to ensure transparency, safeguard citizens' purchasing power, and uphold the social character of the state by involving people's representatives in such decisions. Furthermore, the committee proposed Article 169 bis, establishing a special scheme for Algerian citizens who have resided abroad for at least three continuous years and wish to return permanently. This scheme would exempt them from foreign trade and exchange control procedures, as well as customs duties and taxes, when importing equipment for their economic or professional activities. Another notable proposal is Article 227 bis, which extends the deadlines for construction conformity and completion until December 31, 2027.

The committee also underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to diversify the national economy and enhance its resilience against international economic fluctuations, while advocating for realistic financial and budgetary forecasts. Emphasis was placed on improving the mobilization of public resources, particularly non-hydrocarbon revenues, through better tax collection, broadening the tax base, and combating fraud and evasion. These initiatives are to be complemented by the rationalization of public spending and the allocation of budgetary credits according to defined priorities. The committee concluded by highlighting the necessity of balancing the imperatives of preserving state financial stability and funding development programs with the crucial goal of protecting citizens' purchasing power, all while consolidating transparency and efficiency in the management of public funds to foster balanced economic development.