Algeria: “3 Political Projects And A Social Agenda On The Parliamentary Table”

At the beginning of 2025, the two chambers of parliament are preparing to enter a crucial legislative phase that requires the deputies of the National People’s Assembly in particular to prove their ability to meet the challenges posed by discussing crucial draft laws, especially with only one and a half years left in their parliamentary term.

The parliament’s legislative agenda at the beginning of next year is dominated by a set of important files, most notably the draft law on political parties, which aims to regulate the party scene and promote pluralism, in addition to the draft municipal and wilaya or provincial laws, which seek to improve the management of local affairs and consolidate the principle of decentralization.

The agenda also includes a discussion of the draft Code of Criminal Procedure, which is currently being studied at the level of the Legal Affairs and Freedoms Committee at the National People’s Assembly, with the aim of strengthening the guarantees of justice.

Among the files expected to be raised at the beginning of next year is the draft rules of procedure of the parliament, which has been revived again, according to what Al-Shorouk learned, as this document was previously presented for discussion by MPs at the beginning of 2024, but disagreements over it led to the postponement of voting on it until later.

MPs are also awaiting other projects that were approved by the Council of Ministers, pending their referral to parliament, such as the 2022 budget settlement law and the draft amendment to the Social Insurance Law, which aims to strengthen women’s rights, especially with regard to the extension of maternity leave.

Among the legal projects that will be discussed at the beginning of next year is the draft amendment to the Law on the Protection of Elderly Persons, which includes provisions aimed at  bolstering the social protection of this group and encouraging their integration, in addition to diversifying their care mechanisms in line with constitutional objectives and relevant international references, especially the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, according to a statement by the Council of Ministers.

In the eyes of those who follow parliamentary affairs, next year will be a legislative year par excellence, given the volume of projects that are expected to be referred to parliament, such as health bills, endowment properties, the tourism directive law, the draft traffic law, insurance, terms and conditions for the exercise of freedom of assembly and demonstration. The agenda will also include a second review of the public procurement law, preparations for the digitization bill, and other texts that require careful handling.

According to the agenda announced by the parliamentary committees, the coming year is expected to witness several prominent activities, most notably the intensification of inquiry trips to various provinces, with the aim of investigating and researching files that arouse public opinion and require quick intervention by parliament.

In addition, the committees will open the debate on a number of vital topics by organizing parliamentary days dedicated to these issues, during which MPs, experts and specialists will exchange views. These days will serve as a platform to promote transparency and accountability, and provide citizens and civil society with the opportunity to actively participate in the dialog on future legislation.

The coming year is also expected to see an intensification of written and oral questions addressed to government staff, as MPs will work to strengthen their oversight role by mobilizing the accountability mechanism on important issues such as economic and social policies, the fight against corruption, and the development of infrastructure.