Algerian Government insists,30% women in assemblies

The Algerian government insists that women should get 30% of seats in the elected assemblies. This was confirmed yesterday by Justice Minister Tayeb Belaiz, quoted by APS. The Minister confirmed that the government ''remains committed'' to the 30% quota, turning down the proposal made by the parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs to bring down the quota to 20%.

Belaiz, in a meeting with representatives of the People’s National Congress, described the situation of women’s representation in the local and national elected assemblies as ”catastrophic”. The question has opened a broad debate in Algerian politics and in the political parties themselves. Some parties have protested against the law on women’s representation, saying it is not in line with the social situation in the country.