The Algerian Council of Ministers approved new increases in pensions and retirement benefits during a session chaired by the President. This move is part of efforts to support the purchasing power of limited-income groups. The government statement clarified that the increase will be 10% for retirees whose pensions do not exceed 20,000 dinars, while those with pensions above this threshold will receive a 5% increase.
This step follows previous measures that included raising the guaranteed minimum wage, as part of a social policy aimed at improving retirees’ conditions and addressing economic pressures.
The Council also approved the creation of two new administrative districts in Moghnia and El Alia. It discussed the national strategy for developing e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of digital security and enhancing transparency in commercial transactions.
Government directives also included a ban on the demolition of illegal housing during the winter season, along with measures to protect farmers from crop loss through effective storage mechanisms.
Algerian Council of Ministers
### **Overview**
The Council of Ministers is the chief executive body of Algeria, responsible for implementing the nation’s policies and administering the state. It is headed by the **President of the Republic**, who is its chairman, and includes the **Prime Minister** and all government ministers.
### **Constitutional and Legal Basis**
Its powers and formation are defined by the Algerian Constitution (most recently revised in 2020) and organic laws. Key points include:
* **Article 91:** The President of the Republic presides over the Council of Ministers.
* **Article 92:** The President appoints the Prime Minister and, upon the Prime Minister’s proposal, appoints other members of the government.
* The Council is accountable to the President, who has the power to dismiss the Prime Minister and the government.
### **Composition**
1. **Chairman:** The **President of the Republic** (Currently: Abdelmadjid Tebboune).
2. **Head of Government:** The **Prime Minister** (Currently: Nadir Larbaoui). The Prime Minister directs, coordinates, and implements the government’s action plan.
3. **Members:** All **Ministers** (e.g., Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Energy, Minister of Finance, Minister of National Defense, etc.). It may also include Deputy Ministers and high-ranking officials like the Secretary-General of the Government.
### **Key Powers and Functions**
The Council of Ministers is a crucial decision-making forum. Its main functions include:
* **Policy Implementation:** Discussing and deciding on major national policies in all domains (economic, social, foreign, security).
* **Draft Legislation:** Deliberating on draft laws before they are submitted to Parliament.
* **Regulatory Decrees:** Issuing executive decrees (*décrets exécutifs*) to implement laws.
* **Appointments:** Proposing high-level civil and military appointments for presidential approval.
* **Budget:** Discussing and approving the draft state budget before its submission to Parliament.
* **International Agreements:** Discussing and approving international treaties and agreements.
### **Decision-Making Process**
* The President convenes and sets the agenda for the Council’s meetings.
* Discussions are held, and the President ultimately ratifies the decisions.
* Decisions are formalized through **Presidential Decrees** (*décrets présidentiels*) or **Executive Decrees** (*décrets exécutifs*) signed by the President and/or the Prime Minister, depending on the subject matter.
### **Relationship with Other Institutions**
* **President:** The Council is an instrument of presidential authority. The President is not merely a figurehead but the dominant executive power.
* **Parliament (APN & CN):** The government is responsible for presenting its program and can be held accountable through questions and, in theory, a motion of censure by the People’s National Assembly (APN). However, the executive, led by the President, holds predominant power in the Algerian system.
* **Constitutional Council:** Ensures the constitutionality of laws and certain regulations discussed by the Council.
### **Current Context**
As of late 2023/early 2024, the Council of Ministers under President Tebboune has been focused on key priorities such as:
* Economic diversification away from hydrocarbon dependence.
* Implementing political and economic reforms promised after the Hirak protest movement.
* Managing foreign relations in a complex regional and global environment.
* Addressing social welfare and public service challenges.
In summary, the **Algerian Council of Ministers is the central executive organ, but it operates under the strong authority of the President**, reflecting the presidential nature of Algeria’s political system.
President
1. **Head of State/Government** – The elected leader of a republic (e.g., President of the United States, President of France).
2. **Organization Leader** – The head of a company, institution, or association (e.g., university president, corporate president).
3. **Presiding Officer** – The chairperson of a legislative body or meeting (e.g., President of the Senate).
The role and powers vary by country and context. In presidential systems (like the U.S.), the president is both head of state and head of government. In parliamentary systems, the president may be a ceremonial figurehead.
Would you like more details on a specific type of president or their functions?
