The Algerian National People's Assembly's finance committee has proposed 26 amendments to the 2027 finance bill. These amendments were presented in a preliminary report read in a plenary session on November 2, following the presentation of the bill by Finance Minister Mohammed Lamine Lebbou. The proposed changes aim to modify or add to certain articles in the bill. Five amendments focus on correcting the wording for better legal precision, while 15 others aim to change the substance of certain articles.
The finance committee's proposals include adding six new articles to the bill. One of these new articles, article 169 bis, targets Algerians living abroad who wish to return to the country permanently. It would allow them to import professional equipment without paying customs duties, provided they meet certain conditions. To benefit from this exemption, individuals must have been registered with Algerian consulates and have resided abroad for at least three years without interruption. They must also have practiced their economic or professional activity abroad for at least two years.
The proposed article 169 bis also requires beneficiaries to register their activity in Algeria with the competent authorities before clearing customs. The imported equipment would be exempt from all import duties and taxes, including the solidarity contribution and the provisional safeguard additional duty. It would also be exempt from foreign trade and exchange control procedures. However, the equipment could not be resold for five years, unless the beneficiary repays the fiscal advantage obtained. This measure aims to facilitate the professional reintegration of Algerians returning to the country and encourage their investments.
Another proposed amendment concerns the prices of fuel. The initial article 218 of the 2027 finance bill allows for the revision of fuel prices "as needed". The government sees this as a means of ensuring the financial stability of refining and distribution. The finance committee proposes modifying this article to require parliamentary approval for any price revision, within the framework of a finance law. The deputies invoke "the need to consecrate the social character of the State" and protect purchasing power.
The committee also proposes extending the deadline for regularizing incomplete or non-compliant constructions until December 31, 2027. This new article, article 227 bis, would amend the 2008 law that sets these rules. If adopted, this text would give property owners an additional year to regularize their situation. This concerns many families in Algeria and the diaspora. The proposed amendments have sparked debate among deputies, with discussions ongoing in the plenary session until November 5.
The government may express its opinion on each amendment during the debates. The deputies will vote on the text and its amendments on November 16. The bill will then be submitted to the Council of the Nation. The finance law must come into effect on January 1, 2027, after its promulgation by the President of the Republic. The final measures will only be known once this process is complete.
The proposed amendments to the 2027 finance bill reflect the concerns of Algerian lawmakers regarding economic and social issues. The deputies are seeking to balance the need for economic stability with the need to protect the purchasing power of citizens. The outcome of the debates and the vote on the amendments will have a significant impact on the country's economic and social policies.
Key points
- The Algerian National People's Assembly's finance committee proposes 26 amendments to the 2027 finance bill.
- The proposed amendments include exempting Algerians returning to the country from customs duties on professional equipment.
- The deputies will vote on the text and its amendments on November 16.
