Algerian President Abdelmadjid Teboune has reiterated his government's commitment to shielding citizens' purchasing power, amid rising prices of essential goods. During a recent press conference, Teboune emphasized that protecting purchasing power and combating speculation are top priorities. He announced plans to raise wages starting in 2027, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on households, particularly those with limited incomes.
The President highlighted that his government supports 26 essential goods, including five seasonal agricultural products. This support is intended to benefit citizens when purchasing essential items, and Teboune stressed the need for monitoring to ensure that prices are respected and that state subsidies reach their intended beneficiaries. He also noted that initial investigations suggest that most farmers are not responsible for the price hikes.
Teboune attributed the recent price increases to various factors, including fires in July that affected crop yields in certain regions. However, he argued that this does not justify the scale of price rises, especially given the support provided to the agricultural sector. The President emphasized the importance of tracking prices in wholesale and retail markets to identify where increases occur and who benefits from them.
To stabilize the market, Teboune's government aims to streamline the distribution process by reducing the number of unnecessary intermediaries and monitoring stockpiles and invoices. This approach is expected to help lower costs, ensure farmers receive fair income, and enable consumers to purchase essential goods at reasonable prices. The President also emphasized the need to address smuggling and hoarding.
The issue of protecting purchasing power is particularly pressing for low-income families, who often have to reduce their spending or delay other expenses when prices rise. Teboune's government has pledged to take action to prevent disruptions in food supplies, using accurate information on available quantities, prices, and price fluctuations. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the living standards of vulnerable households.
In a related development, the Algerian Council of Ministers has confirmed the President's announcement, instructing the inclusion of wage increases in the 2027 finance bill. The Council also pledged not to introduce any taxes that would impact citizens' purchasing power, particularly for middle-income earners and those with limited incomes. These measures aim to provide relief to households while ensuring that state support reaches those who need it most.
Ensuring food security remains a key challenge for Algeria, requiring increased domestic production, improved storage and transportation infrastructure, and support for farmers. By addressing these issues, the government hopes to stabilize food supplies, reduce price volatility, and ultimately enhance the living standards of its citizens. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and coordination among various government agencies and stakeholders.
Key points
- Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Teboune pledges to raise wages in 2027 to protect citizens' purchasing power.
- The government supports 26 essential goods and aims to monitor prices to prevent profiteering.
- The administration seeks to streamline distribution, reduce intermediaries, and prevent smuggling to stabilize food supplies.
