The Algerian presidential campaign officially began on Tuesday, with candidate Ali Benflis kicking off his campaign in Tlemcen. Benflis, a former head of government, focused on his proposals for addressing the country's economic crisis. He suggested reducing public spending to curb waste and promised to decrease the state budget by 20% if elected. Benflis also emphasized the need to boost fiscal revenue, proposing a gradual increase in tax collection.
Benflis also outlined his plan for resolving the country's political crisis, which includes organizing a "global dialogue," establishing an "open government," and revising the Constitution. He expressed concerns about the press, stating that private media outlets face pressure and are often used to influence their editorial positions. Benflis called for a balanced approach to reporting, where public media reflect the diversity of society.
However, Benflis's meeting in Tlemcen was nearly disrupted by protesters who chanted "Benflis dégage" (Benflis, step down). A significant police presence prevented the protesters from reaching the venue. Meanwhile, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, another candidate, faced his own challenge when his campaign director resigned just hours before the start of the campaign.
Tebboune's new campaign director, Mohamed-Amine Missaïd, replaced Abdellah Baali, who cited unspecified reasons for his resignation. Despite this, Tebboune's team proceeded with a meeting with supporters and young people at a hotel in Algiers. The meeting was attended by several members of Tebboune's team, including former Tourism Minister Hassane Marmouri.
Other candidates, including Abdelaziz Belaïd and Azeddine Mihoubi, also began their campaigns in Adrar, where they met with supporters and local leaders. Tebboune himself visited Adrar, where he met with representatives of various religious brotherhoods.
Not all candidates received a warm welcome, however. Abdelkader Bengrina, an Islamist candidate, was heckled by protesters in Algiers, who chanted slogans from the Hirak movement. Bengrina was forced to cut short his speech due to the hostile reception.
The first day of campaigning sets the stage for a competitive presidential election on December 12. The candidates' receptions in various parts of the country reflect the diverse opinions and challenges facing Algeria as it navigates a period of significant change.
Key points
- - The Algerian presidential campaign began with Ali Benflis and Abdelmadjid Tebboune facing challenges in Tlemcen and Adrar. - Benflis outlined his proposals for addressing the country's economic and political crises. - Several candidates, including Abdelkader Bengrina, faced hostile receptions from protesters during their campaign events.
