Bouteflika: we can face oil crisis

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said the State will not give up social policies although it experiences difficult conditions. It will face the new phase with determination.

“Although the crisis is intense in Algeria, the government does not plan to stop investing in the economic growth success factors. It will not give up its essential choices including real national solidarity and efficient social justice,” Bouteflika said in a letter on hydrocarbons nationalization day.

« The nation plans to face oil price fall repercussions through a wise and strict economic growth policy,” he added.

He believes that the last constitutional amendment reflects the State’s intention to go forward fast to conduct economy structural changes. This is meant to have more chances to enter world market.

He stressed the necessity of diversifying economy and its competitiveness. “Enterprises should develop their capacity of creativity, promoting quality and efficiency.”

He also said the constitutional amendment touched all the fields in Algeria including health, housing, education, workers’ rights, national solidarity with needy and handicapped people.

The President’s letter comes as Algeria experiences a difficult financial situation.

Experts and ministers talked about « austerity » and the revision of public policies.

Abderrahmane Boukhalfa told members of Parliament that the State should end social subsidy progressively.