Algeria : President Tebboune begins a second term by announcing an inclusive political dialogue

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune officially began his second term in office yesterday after taking the oath of office at the Palais des Nations in Algiers, following his re-election on September 7 with 84.30% of the vote. In an inaugural speech full of ambition and renewal, the President unveiled his vision for Algeria, emphasizing an inclusive political dialogue and an ambitious economic and social roadmap.

The most significant announcement during this inauguration was President Tebboune’s commitment to initiate a national dialogue. « During this second term, we will engage in sustained discussions and consultations with all the vital forces of the country—political, economic, and youth, » he stated. This inclusive dialogue aims to « jointly pave the way for our country towards the establishment of true democracy—not one of slogans, but one that grants sovereignty to those who deserve it. » This initiative reflects a clear intention to restore trust and consolidate the democratic foundations of Algeria. The President stressed the importance of this dialogue in overcoming past divisions and building a common future. He also emphasized the need to reconcile the various components of Algerian society and create a space for constructive dialogue.

In a strong symbolic gesture, immediately after the inauguration ceremony, President Tebboune met with his presidential election rivals, Mr. Abdelaali Hassani Cherif from the Movement of the Society for Peace (MSP) and Mr. Youcef Aouchiche from the Socialist Forces Front (FFS). This meeting illustrates the President’s willingness to reach out and initiate this national dialogue on inclusive terms. In his speech, the President also praised the Algerian people, whom he said « have always protected the process of consolidating the legitimacy of institutions and building the rule of law through national constitutional elections, thanks to their national consciousness. » He also thanked the election candidates Abdelaali Hassani Cherif (MSP) and Youcef Aouchiche (FFS), saying: « We conducted a clean electoral campaign together, marked by fair competition through the presentation of programs and ideas to voters. »

A report to be presented to Parliament

« Although the methods of persuasion may have differed, the electoral campaign took place in mutual respect, within the framework of democratic political practice and in line with the moral conscience, loyalty to the land of the martyrs, and devotion to the homeland, » the President emphasized. He also proudly hailed the « success of this important national election, marked by calm and security from its preparation stages following the announcement of the early Presidential election. » The President also expressed gratitude to the People’s National Army (ANP), security forces, and all relevant sectors that provided « logistical support to ensure a transparent, free, and fair election. »

Tebboune also reflected on past betrayals and sharply criticized previous economic policies that led to industrial desertification, highlighting the achievements of his first term to remedy the situation. He cited reports from the IMF and the World Bank that highlight the dynamism of the Algerian economy, which is recording the highest growth rate in the region. In this context, he committed to presenting the results of his first term to both chambers of Parliament before the end of 2024, along with « all the details » regarding his second term. Continuing the « good tradition » he has established, the President announced that « he will deliver a speech to the nation before the end of the year, in an extraordinary session of both houses of Parliament, » where he will present « all the details concerning the second term, as well as the economic and financial report of the first term. »

In this context, President Tebboune outlined in his speech the key points of an ambitious economic and social roadmap for his second term, aimed at profoundly transforming the national economy and improving citizens’ living conditions.

Priorities for the second term

The President has set ambitious goals for economic growth, aiming to increase the contribution of industry to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 12% during his mandate. To achieve this, he is relying on a strategy of economic diversification and investment promotion. Tebboune announced that nearly 9,000 investment projects have already been registered with the Algerian Investment Agency, with the ambitious goal of reaching 20,000 projects by the end of his mandate in 2029. This investment drive is expected to stimulate economic growth and create numerous jobs.

One of the President’s major commitments is in the agricultural sector. He pledged to ensure Algeria’s agricultural self-sufficiency by 2026, highlighting the progress already made in this field. Tebboune announced that the country will achieve self-sufficiency in durum wheat by 2025, and in barley and maize by 2026. To achieve this, he is focusing on the development of an agricultural map based on scientific criteria and international partnerships with leading countries in strategic sectors. Several projects are already underway, such as partnerships with the Qatari company Baladna and Italian firms, with others in progress.

The President also discussed several major infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the country. He announced the launch of major interconnection dams in 2025 to strengthen the management of Algeria’s water resources. These projects are part of a broader plan to develop the country’s infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transport, energy, and telecommunications.

Aware of the social challenges facing Algeria, President Tebboune pledged to protect the purchasing power of Algerians. He announced a series of measures aimed at curbing inflation, controlling prices, and increasing allowances and wages. These measures are part of a broader social protection policy aimed at reducing inequalities. The President reaffirmed his commitment to building two million housing units of all types during his mandate, to meet growing demand and improve Algerians’ living conditions. Furthermore, Tebboune pledged to resolve the issue of underserved areas by the end of the first year of his mandate, demonstrating his determination to reduce regional disparities and improve living conditions in the most disadvantaged areas.

He also emphasized the need to continue reforms in key sectors such as health and education to ensure Algeria’s sustainable and inclusive development. Tebboune promised to create 450,000 jobs during his mandate, with a particular focus on youth employment. He also announced his ambition to increase the number of startups to 20,000, up from around 8,000 today, underlining the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in his economic vision.

The start of President Tebboune’s second term marks the beginning of a new chapter. By announcing an inclusive national dialogue and an ambitious economic and social roadmap, the President seeks to rally Algerians around a shared vision of development and democratization. The challenges are significant, but the President seems determined to tackle them. The success of this project will depend on the government’s ability to implement these ambitious promises, as well as the active participation of the nation’s vital forces in the announced dialogue. Algeria is thus entering a crucial period in its history, with democratic consolidation and economic and social development at the heart of national priorities.