Hundreds of workers from various sectors in Algeria's Tizi-Ouzou province took to the streets on Wednesday in response to a call for a one-day strike. The workers, representing different industries and localities, gathered in organized groups, each representing various employers, institutions, and companies. They assembled at the 1er Novembre stadium before marching to the Bougie square, waving portraits of Issat Idir and Abdelhak Benhamouda.
The protesters chanted slogans demanding the departure of the current system and the return of the UGTA to the workers. They called for the resignation of Abdelmadjid Sidi Saïd, the head of the UGTA, with chants such as "Sidi Said dégage" and "L'UGTA c'est Aissat Idir, Abdelhak Benhamouda, mais pas toi capitaine Madjid". The workers also expressed their support for the popular movement that began on February 22, with many displaying banners that read "Soutien au mouvement populaire" and "La voix du peuple".
The protesters also voiced their rejection of the extension of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's term, with chants such as "Système dégage" and "Souveraineté populaire". They demanded a better future for Algeria, with slogans like "Pour une Algérie meilleure" and "On demande de libérer l'Algérie". The march was marked by a strong sense of solidarity, with workers from different sectors and backgrounds coming together to express their grievances.
The protesters also targeted French President Emmanuel Macron, denouncing his recent statements on Algeria. They waved banners and chanted slogans such as "Macron tu vas payer le gaz et l'électricité" and "Occupe-toi des gilets jaunes". The protesters also expressed their opposition to the government's policies, targeting figures such as Vice-Premier Minister Lamamra and Lakhdar Brahimi.
The march was notable for its peaceful and civic nature, with no reported incidents or clashes with security forces. The protesters demonstrated a strong sense of organization and unity, with many displaying banners and chanting slogans that reflected their demands for change. The event was seen as a significant show of support for the popular movement.
The UGTA workers' march was part of a broader wave of protests that have been sweeping Algeria since February. The protests have been marked by widespread demands for change, including the departure of the current system and the holding of free and fair elections. The government has faced mounting pressure to respond to the protesters' demands.
The protesters' demands reflect a deep-seated desire for change and reform in Algeria. The country's UGTA union has been at the forefront of the protests, with many workers expressing their dissatisfaction with the current leadership and policies. The march in Tizi-Ouzou was a significant demonstration of the union's strength and its commitment to representing the interests of Algerian workers.
Key points
- The protesters demanded the departure of Abdelmadjid Sidi Saïd, the head of the UGTA union.
- The march was part of a broader wave of protests that have been sweeping Algeria since February.
- The protesters expressed their opposition to French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statements on Algeria.
