Algeria: Bouteflika defines reforms process

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Monday defined the political reforms he had promised to consolidate the republican and democratic character of the Algerian State.

• The clarifications introduced by Bouteflika constitute a real “road map” which will lead to different consultations in order to promote the reforms.
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• The consultations are expected to come up with a “deep” revision of several organic laws and the constitutional amendment.
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• The preparation of the new organic laws includes the electoral regime, political parties and women’s place in elected assemblies.
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• A large consultation will be devoted to the constitutional revision draft bill before being submitted.
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• The consultation will be submitted to a new Parliament.
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•  The rewriting of those laws will be accompanied by new reforms relating to information world. They are about fundamental principles such as professionalism, ethics and expression freedom.
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• Bouteflika said an “authority of medias regulation” will be restored.
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• Bouetflika’s developed perspectives include the opening of a large consultation under the supervision of the Economic and Social Council (CNES) to define the objectives of “better” local development.
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• The consultation is expected to come up with national sessions and “appropriate recommendations” to improve relationships between the administration and people.
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• The opening of administrative tribunals is scheduled in the country as part of the setting up of “eased relationships” between the administration and citizens.
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• Investment and economic activity promotion constituted an important aspect of the president’s intervention during the cabinet’s meeting.
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• Bouteflika stressed the necessity of gathering the tripartite (government, employers, General Union of Algerian Workers) quickly to examine social issues.