BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, chaired, on Sunday, a meeting of the Council of Ministers. The meeting focused on the examination of two bills related to disaster prevention, intervention, and risk limitation, as well as the Code of Civil and Administrative Procedure. Additionally, presentations were given on a draft framework law aimed at combating forgery and its use.
The Presidency of the Republic released a statement indicating that the meeting also included discussions on the complementary program for the wilaya of Djelfa, an interministerial presentation on the progress of the Gara Djebilet-Oran and Tébessa-Annaba railway line construction projects, and the Béchar steel complex.
At the start of the meeting, the President presented the agenda, and the Prime Minister provided a report on government activity over the past two weeks. The Council of Ministers engaged in debates on the bills and presentations.
The President of the Republic has issued crucial instructions and guidelines regarding two significant draft laws. Firstly, concerning the draft law on rules for the prevention, intervention, and limitation of disaster-related risks in the context of sustainable development, the President emphasized the utmost importance of proactive operations and permanent monitoring. This must be done in accordance with well-defined plans to deal with all disaster situations, regardless of their nature.
Furthermore, the President has directed the update of the lists of means, material, and human intervention in the event of disasters. The walis must carry out this operation every six months to avoid any obstacles to the operations of intervention and opening of ways and roads, ultimately saving lives.
Secondly, the President has urged the enrichment of the bill relating to the Code of Civil and Administrative Procedures. This must be done by opening a broad debate with specialists in the profession, particularly the magistrates, who possess great professional expertise and experience. The aim is to introduce necessary amendments to the Code of Civil and Administrative Procedures, particularly in its part related to recourse to the Supreme Court for certain cases.
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the country, whose judgments are final and without appeal. It serves justice and the citizen, ruling on unsettled cases during the different phases of justiciability. It is essential to identify the type and nature of cassation appeals to be filed at the level of the Supreme Court to ease the pressure on citizens and facilitate the procedures for appealing to this body.
Finally, the President has charged the commercial courts with the settlement of financial and commercial disputes instead of the Supreme Court. This will streamline the legal process and ensure that justice is served efficiently and effectively.
In regards to the draft framework law on the fight against forgery and the use of forgery, the President has made it clear that combating this deplorable phenomenon is a crucial part of his commitment to moralizing public life. The President recognizes that forgery negatively impacts the smooth running of the Algerian administration and poses a threat to the security of the State.
The President has emphasized the importance of protecting the interests of the State and its citizens, and thwarting all behaviors that have cost the public Treasury significant sums in recent years. To achieve this, the President has ordered the inclusion of all crimes of forgery liable to penalties in the proposed bill.
Furthermore, the President has stressed the need for rigor in punishing perpetrators or individuals involved in crimes of forgery and the use of forgery, while simultaneously promoting legitimate and fair competition.
In the context of digitization and modernization of documents, the President has made it clear that facilitations granted should not compromise the security of the State. The protection of information and personal data against any form of falsification must be given priority.
Regarding the complementary program dedicated to the wilaya of Djelfa, the President of the Republic has recognized the significance of the agricultural and pastoral vocation of this historic region. As a result, he has directed the Government to increase the quota of rural housing in the wilaya from 4,000 to 15,000 units. Additionally, he has instructed the development of a proposal to promote the daïras of El Abiodh Sidi Cheikh (wilaya of El-Bayadh), and of Aïn Oussara and Messaad (wilaya of Djelfa) in delegated wilayas.
In regards to the preparations for welcoming members of the Algerian community established abroad during the summer season of the year 2023, the President has directed the mobilization of human resources at the level of ports and airports to ensure the reception of members of the Algerian community in their country. The Government has also been instructed to offer more facilitations in anticipation of their arrival, particularly in terms of ticket prices. Furthermore, a special trip by the Mosque of Paris, in coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has been organized for the benefit of 900 children and young people to visit various tourist regions of Algeria and strengthen their bond with their mother country.
Regarding the joint ministerial presentation on the progress of the projects for the construction of the Gara Djebilet-Oran and Tébessa-Annaba railway lines, as well as the Béchar steel complex, the President has emphasized the strategic importance of the Gara Djebilet project. He has stressed the need for rigor within the framework of a forward-looking vision, in accordance with the standards of science and technology, to ensure the successful realization of such projects in the best interests of the country and its citizens, and to help improve their standard of living.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council of Ministers granted approval for decrees pertaining to the appointment and termination of senior positions and functions within the State. This decision marks a significant step towards ensuring the efficient and effective operation of our government.