President Tebboune Rejects Visa Quota Claims, Orders Accountability Over Orphanage Tragedy, Announces Pension and Wage Review, and Warns Against Threats to Tunisia’s Stability
In a wide-ranging televised interview, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune dismissed claims that Algeria had requested a visa quota from France, vowed full accountability over the fatal orphanage fire in Algiers, announced plans to review the national minimum wage and pensions, and reaffirmed Algeria’s firm positions on sovereignty, security and regional stability.
By Hana Saada
ALGIERS – President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed a broad range of domestic, social and international issues during his regular televised meeting with representatives of the national media, outlining the government’s position on diplomatic relations, the recent orphanage tragedy, social policy and regional security.
Tebboune rejects claims over French visa quota
Responding to recent controversy sparked by remarks attributed to the French ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, regarding a possible resumption of issuing 250,000 visas annually to Algerian nationals, President Tebboune firmly denied that Algeria had ever requested such an arrangement.
“I have never requested a visa quota, nor have I ever discussed the issue of visas with the French president,” Tebboune said, dismissing reports suggesting that the matter had featured in bilateral discussions between the two countries.
The president also rejected suggestions that Algeria had sought an apology or financial compensation from France, stressing that the country’s foreign policy remains guided by dignity and sovereignty.
“Algeria has neither asked for an apology nor for compensation, because Algeria does not beg,” he said.
Full investigation ordered into orphanage tragedy
President Tebboune also addressed the fire at the Mohammadia orphanage in Algiers, which claimed the lives of 10 children and a caregiver and prompted widespread national mourning.
He said he had instructed the security services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, emphasizing that accountability would extend across all administrative levels.
“I instructed the security services to conduct a thorough investigation, and every person found responsible will be held accountable, from the gatekeeper to the highest official,” the president said.
Minimum wage and pensions to be reviewed
On social policy, Tebboune announced that the government would undertake a review of both the national guaranteed minimum wage (SNMG) and retirement pensions as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen purchasing power and improve social protection.
No timetable or details regarding the planned adjustments were disclosed during the interview.
Regional security and Tunisia
Addressing regional developments, the president reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to preserving stability in neighbouring countries, particularly Tunisia.
He warned against any attempts to fuel terrorism or insecurity in the region, declaring that Algeria would firmly oppose efforts to destabilize Tunisia or its immediate neighbourhood.
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