Algerian army chief Ahmed Gaïd Salah has called for a swift presidential election to end the country's ongoing crisis. During a visit to the 3rd Military Region, Gaïd Salah emphasized the need for a dialogue to organize the election in the shortest possible time. He stated that the solution to the crisis lies in adhering to the Constitution and holding the election within the constitutional timeframe. Gaïd Salah also stressed that the election should be transparent and credible.
Gaïd Salah, who is also the deputy defense minister, reiterated the army's commitment to legal and constitutional solutions. He criticized those who propose alternative solutions to the election, labeling them as promoting a "paradox intellectual and political" approach. According to Gaïd Salah, democracy without free and fair elections is meaningless. He urged Algerians to find an effective way to hold the election, emphasizing that it is essential for the country's stability.
The army chief also addressed the issue of corruption, stating that the ongoing operation against corrupt individuals will not tolerate exceptions. He vowed that the military will pursue the fight against corruption with determination, aiming to free Algeria from this scourge before the next presidential election. Gaïd Salah held that the judiciary has a crucial role in tackling corruption cases, but criticized past attempts at reforming the justice system as mere rhetoric.
Gaïd Salah expressed disappointment with the previous reform efforts, stating that they only enabled corrupt practices to persist. He argued that the judiciary was unable to effectively address corruption due to deliberate attempts to undermine its authority. The army chief promised that the time for accountability has come, and those who engaged in corrupt practices will face consequences.
The economic crisis in Algeria was also addressed by Gaïd Salah, who attributed it primarily to mismanagement by some officials. He accused these individuals of exploiting public funds for personal gain, leading to a severe economic crisis. Gaïd Salah emphasized the importance of responsibility and integrity in governance, stating that those who fail to uphold these values will be held accountable.
Gaïd Salah further criticized the practice of awarding large sums of money as credits for unproductive projects, which he claimed was a result of corrupt and selective practices. He argued that such actions have hindered Algeria's development and contradicted the principles of good governance. The army chief vowed to address these issues and promote a culture of accountability and transparency.
In conclusion, Gaïd Salah's speech emphasized the need for swift action to address Algeria's ongoing crisis. He called for a national dialogue to organize a presidential election, combat corruption, and promote good governance. The army chief's statements reflect the growing pressure on Algerian authorities to implement reforms and address the country's pressing challenges.
Key points
- Algerian army chief Ahmed Gaïd Salah calls for swift presidential election to end crisis
- Gaïd Salah vows to pursue fight against corruption with determination
- The army chief criticizes past attempts at reforming the justice system as mere rhetoric
