BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | December 25th, 2024 — In a decisive stride towards redefining local governance in Algeria, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune articulated his ambitious vision during the government-walis meeting held on Tuesday at the Palace of Nations in Algiers. Under the banner “Local Communities: The Engine of National Development,” the President underscored the critical role of local authorities as the backbone of Algeria’s development agenda.
Opening the session, President Tebboune declared unequivocally, “We are all at the service of the people, from the President to the most modest public servant.” This statement set the tone for the event, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to serve citizens and advance development across all regions, particularly those historically marginalized.
A Governance Model Built on Equity and Accountability
Highlighting the achievements of his administration, the President noted that over 6.5 million Algerians had benefited from reforms targeting shadow zones. He criticized former officials who disregarded these areas as outside their purview, signaling a renewed commitment to equitable governance. “We have succeeded in laying the foundation for a new governance system based on fairness in development and stringent management of public finances,” he stated.
President Tebboune announced the establishment of a committee of experts tasked with drafting two pivotal laws governing municipalities and provinces. These legislative reforms aim to dismantle bureaucratic barriers, enabling local authorities to become effective pillars of national development.
Empowering Local Authorities for Citizen-Centric Development
The proposed reforms seek to modernize institutional frameworks and equip elected officials with the resources necessary to address citizens’ needs. “Local communities serve as the essential link between the state and its citizens,” President Tebboune emphasized. He further advocated revising the outdated municipal and provincial codes to establish democratic institutions that reflect the popular will.
“After 62 years of independence, it is imperative to revise these laws to grant more powers to municipalities and create a system that distinguishes between resource-rich and resource-poor communes,” the President asserted. He revealed that approximately 900 communes currently depend on financial assistance to balance their budgets, highlighting the stark disparities between urban and rural areas.
Financial Autonomy and Strategic Reforms
To address these inequities, President Tebboune outlined plans to reform the fiscal system, allowing communes to retain a portion of locally generated taxes. This initiative is designed to enhance their financial autonomy and enable more effective service delivery. The President also announced that starting in 2025, a new management system would be implemented to expand the responsibilities of Provincial People’s Assembly (APW) presidents.
This system will include reactivating communal development plans, empowering municipalities to secure bank loans and collaborate with private sector partners on investment projects. These measures aim to transform local authorities into active economic agents capable of driving growth and innovation.
Accountability and Youth Empowerment
President Tebboune emphasized the necessity of accountability, proposing that the heads of APWs be granted full financial oversight. He also encouraged municipalities to subcontract public services to local enterprises, provided robust legal mechanisms are established to monitor and evaluate performance.
Additionally, the President reaffirmed his commitment to inspiring Algeria’s youth, stating, “We must reignite the spirit of national pride among our young people and empower them to face challenges with confidence. It is our duty to meet their expectations and ensure we do not let them down.”
A Vision for Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Through these sweeping reforms, President Tebboune envisions a governance model that respects the unique characteristics of each locality while fostering a cohesive and prosperous nation. His administration’s efforts to restructure municipal and provincial systems are poised to deliver balanced development, ensuring that no commune is left behind.
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