The Algerian president is using energy and education initiatives to serve his desired re-election bid

Tebboune goes strong, eyes 2024 elections

photo_camera PHOTO/AFP - The Algerian president is using energy and education initiatives in the service of his desired re-election.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune has decided to give a boost to several of the commitments he made to the Algerian population during the 2019 election campaign. And observers suggest that this wave of moves, along with the benefits of the gas price hike, point to an upcoming election that the Algerian president may already be eyeing with a sidelong glance. Support for Tebboune has grown in recent weeks and, although not yet pointing to an early election, many believe that everything is lining up in line with the goal of re-election.

The economic situation in Algeria has been bolstered by the rise in energy prices on international markets, which has translated into new initiatives such as the one related to education. Sixty thousand teachers are expected to be hired in the next three months, according to the latest Algerian cabinet announcement. This is in line with the objective of "finalising the teachers' draft law before the end of this year, encouraging teachers and professors to fulfil their professional duty, raise the level of training, and improve their social and professional status, away from any exploitation". 

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The problem of teachers in Algeria was among the 54 commitments made by Tebboune in 2019 and, although three years later, it fulfils one of the most demanded by workers and trade unions. These are precisely the ones who have received the news from the Algerian government in a very positive way, issuing a statement expressing their satisfaction for carrying out this initiative. Many of these teachers were in a complicated situation and were hoping for a contract that, according to the Council of Ministers, would recognise "this noble profession" and the figure of the teacher as an "educator and not an administrative employee", as he or she deserves.

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Tebboune, aware of the importance of the education sector in Algerian society, has chosen to focus his efforts on it, taking advantage of the good economic results this year. And the objective is being achieved, at least for the time being. Messages on social media, as well as on the official news agency, have followed one after another in recent weeks praising "the achievements made in recent years in various political, economic, social and diplomatic fields". Many associations and organisations have even posted on social media that they wish to continue counting on the president beyond 2024, when Algerians will once again go to the polls.

Everything related to education is of paramount importance. Much of the protest and strike movements in Algeria have been triggered by various demands within the sector, which Tebboune's government sees as one of the pillars of the country's stability. Observers believe that the importance the president attaches to this sector is part of the electoral objective, which is twofold.

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On the one hand, the will to continue as head of state is firm and work is being done to pave the way for the two years that remain until the next elections, if they are not brought forward, a situation that is not ruled out by experts. On the other hand, Tebboubne wants to increase the turnout for the 2019 elections, which fell below 40%, in addition to the large number of invalid votes - more than one million - which was perceived as a protest by the population against the candidacy of five former candidates (including the current president).

To achieve these ends, the Algerian head of state has strongly pushed for movements in the social sphere. In recent months, he has announced a wage hike, a reduction in payroll taxes, and the introduction of an unemployment benefit that currently benefits nearly two million Algerians. Tebboune recently pledged to "pay attention to the different social groups" in order to "ensure a dignified life for all". In addition, the next initiatives include "enriching the draft law for the protection and conservation of state property, and revising the law on construction".

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