A large group of promoters from Algeria's youth employment support schemes, including ANSEJ, CNAC, and ANGEM, gathered in Azazga to protest against the local tax authorities. The protest, organized by the Collectif d'aide à la micro-entreprise (CAME), drew several hundred participants. They demanded that the tax authorities issue necessary documents, including the "C-20" form, which is required for their businesses to operate. The promoters claim that the tax authorities are unfairly denying them these documents.
The protest is part of a larger movement by the promoters, who have been facing significant challenges since 2015. The decline in oil prices led to a financial crisis, which affected many young entrepreneurs. The promoters are struggling to repay their bank loans and risk losing their equipment or facing legal action. Despite proposals from authorities to reschedule their debt payments, the promoters are seeking a general amnesty.
According to a representative of the CAME, the tax authorities' refusal to issue the required documents is an "abusive practice" that denies young private promoters their rights. The promoters argue that they need these documents to operate their businesses and create jobs. The CAME has been coordinating the protests, which have taken place across the Tizi Ouzou province.
The promoters' difficulties began with the financial crisis in 2015, which reduced their ability to repay their loans. Many had acquired equipment with bank credits, which they now risk losing. The authorities have offered to reschedule their debt payments, but the promoters prefer a general amnesty. They have been seeking this solution for two years.
The protest in Azazga is the latest in a series of actions organized by the promoters. The CAME has been mobilizing the promoters to take part in demonstrations and sit-ins across the province. The promoters are demanding a resolution to their problems and an end to what they see as unfair treatment by the tax authorities.
The Algerian government has implemented various schemes to support youth employment, including ANSEJ, CNAC, and ANGEM. However, many promoters have struggled to make their businesses viable, due to a combination of factors, including the economic crisis and limited access to finance. The protests highlight the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in Algeria.
The outcome of the protest remains uncertain, but the promoters have vowed to continue their action until their demands are met. The CAME has called for a dialogue with the authorities to find a solution to the promoters' problems. The situation remains tense, with many promoters facing an uncertain future.
Key points
- The promoters are seeking a general amnesty for their debts.
- The tax authorities' refusal to issue required documents has sparked the protests.
- The promoters have been facing significant challenges since the 2015 financial crisis.
