President Tebboune Orders Salary Increases in Algeria’s 2027 Budget, Rules Out New Taxes on Citizens Copy link

Algeria Gate: President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune underlined that Algeria remains firmly committed to independent decision-making in its foreign relations and is respected internationally as a genuine player in promoting regional peace and stability.

Speaking during his regular meeting with representatives of the national media, broadcast on Saturday evening, the President of the Republic outlined Algeria’s approach to relations with its neighbours and its broader foreign policy; a policy built on respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, strict adherence to international law, and a clear preference for dialogue and peaceful political solutions.

On the Sahel, President Tebboune stressed that lasting stability can only begin with development. Chaos and terrorism, he noted, thrive on poverty and the absence of state institutions.

Turning to the situation in Niger, the head of state revealed that Algeria had sent military aircraft to the neighbouring country after certain parties pressed ahead with their schemes. He recalled that Niger’s Prime Minister, Mohamed Lamine Zeine, had been visiting Algeria and returned home overnight; shortly before a coup attempt took place. “The picture is clear. This is a provocation against us,” President Tebboune stated, citing a classical Arabic verse: “I taught him archery every single day, yet when his arm grew strong, he shot at me. And how many times I taught him the composition of verses, but when he uttered a verse, he satirized me.”

On relations with Mali, he affirmed: “We are closer to each other than anyone imagines,” while reiterating that Algeria will not interfere in the internal affairs of this brotherly country.

Addressing the crises in Sudan and South Sudan, President Tebboune recalled Algeria’s support for South Sudan after its independence, delivered with the backing of the Sudanese side. He questioned the value of independence when war continues to rage, reiterated Algeria’s firm support for both international and domestic legitimacy, called for an end to divisions in Sudan, and urged an immediate halt to all actions fueling the war in this brotherly country.

On the Western Sahara issue, the President of the Republic reaffirmed that Algeria welcomes direct negotiations between the Polisario Front and Morocco. He stressed that “no one can force the Sahrawi people to accept a decision that would wipe them off the map for good,” recalling that United Nations and Security Council resolutions require a solution acceptable to both sides. “The Sahrawis are the ones who decide, and we stand by them,” he declared.

Responding to a question about the Iranian President’s request for a technical stopover in Algeria, President Tebboune stated: “Algeria welcomes him, and any other president. This is Algeria, with its pride and its independent decision.”

On Algerian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, he described their movements as entirely normal. Algeria, he added, “has no problem with anyone,” and the passage of these ships demonstrates that “we share the great powers’ vision on the stability of the oil market.”

Finally, President Tebboune addressed Algeria’s relations with major powers, reiterating that maintaining relations of friendship and partnership with Russia, the United States and China is entirely possible. Algeria, he stressed, will not give up the friendships that bind it to these countries. In this regard, he highlighted the strong friendship with Russia that serves both nations’ interests and welcomed the continued growth of economic ties between Algiers and Moscow.

Algeria Gate: While France faces severe prison overcrowding, Rassemblement National MP Michel Guiniot chose to question the French government about… Algeria’s future high-security prison in Tanezrouft.

This project, intended notably for major drug traffickers, is nonetheless a sovereign decision by Algeria. Yet the French MP directly linked it to the transfer of Algerian detainees and the expulsion of nationals subject to removal orders.

This approach raises questions: why look to Algeria for a solution to problems that primarily concern the French prison system?

While Paris must manage its own prisons, the episode once again shows how certain French political figures incorporate Algerian decisions into their internal debates on immigration and security.

Algeria Gate: The European Union’s Ambassador to Algeria, Diego Melado, stated that “Algeria is a reliable partner in the gas sector,” noting that it possesses strong potential that qualifies it to become a major partner in future energy projects, particularly in renewable energies and green hydrogen.

In his opening remarks at the second ministerial meeting of the Southern Hydrogen Corridor project (South2Corridor), held in Algeria, Melado highlighted the importance of the renewable hydrogen project in supporting Europe’s transition toward a low-carbon energy system. He pointed to the significant potential of the Southern Hydrogen Corridor project to become one of the main routes for transporting renewable hydrogen to European markets.

The European ambassador explained that this corridor would connect the two shores of the Mediterranean, enabling sustainable economic and energy benefits for both sides and opening the way for a new strategic partnership between Europe and North Africa based on clean energies, shared prosperity, and a move toward a more sustainable future.

In this regard, Melado underscored the important potential that Algeria has in renewable energies and the assets it possesses that can be leveraged to make joint energy projects with Europe a success.

He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to achieve tangible progress and turn the Southern Hydrogen Corridor project into reality, confirming the European Union’s readiness to continue supporting this path and cooperating with various partners to ensure the success of this strategic project.