Education scandals put governmental solidarity on the edge

A noise has been continuously raised since Nouria Benghebrit was appointed as an education minister. Even international media publish reports about education scandals in Algeria.

After the Baccalureate exam leaked questions issue, another scandal took place in the beginning of the school year 2016-2017. Geography book for 1st year in junior high schools contains a “serious error.” It shows the map of the world where Palestine is not mentioned and replaced by the “Zionist entity.”  

The minister withdrew it and gave an instruction to open an investigation in the issue. Yet, this is not enough as the error shows carelessness in the national education sector.

It is natural that some voices support Benghebrit, saying it is a “conspiracy” and accusing national and Islamic conservative activists. Still, the minister is still held responsible as she should have foiled such attempts.

Benghebrit’s supporters will make a link between the geography book and the second generation reforms. They will allege that her opponents’ aim is to foil those reforms.

There is a need to seek other reasons to justify this scandal.

The minister is clearly responsible for what happens in her sector. So, why is she still attached to her position?

Certainly, the government bears a heavy burden due to Bengherbit’s policy. Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal has always defended her in the name of governmental solidarity. Yet, is the government still able to justify the education minister’s wrongdoings and failures? 

The Prime Minister abounded former commerce minister Amara Benyounes when his wine-related remarks triggered anger among Algerians. Will the geography book scandal exclude the education minister or will things remain the same as usual?