The Tizi Ouzou wilaya assembly session, scheduled for August 25, was unable to proceed due to insufficient attendance. Only 20 members were present, falling short of the required 25 for a quorum. The session was set to discuss and vote on the supplementary budget. The absence of six FFS members, who boycotted the session, contributed to the failure to reach a quorum.
The six FFS members, including Atek Djouher, Msela Mohamed, Sadok Ali, Sahli Youcef, Smaïl Nabila, and Tayeb Salima, joined the RCD group outside the assembly hall. They held a gathering to demand the release of detained members, including elected official Samira Messouci. The FFS members expressed their dissent against the party's leadership and the assembly's president, Youcef Aouchiche.
The conflict within the FFS has been ongoing, with the six members releasing a statement on June 28, criticizing Aouchiche and his group for alleged "tendencious and Machi,avellian" strategies. They claimed these actions were detrimental to the wilaya's interests and accused Aouchiche of forming a "sect" within the party. The statement expressed support for the legitimate FFS leadership, represented by Hakim Belahcel.
Me Nabila Smail, a lawyer and FFS member, addressed the gathering, criticizing the assembly's decision to hold a session during the summer vacation period. She argued that discussing the budget in August, when many people are on leave, was not in line with the wilaya's code. Smail also questioned the allocation of funds, demanding accountability for previous budgets and highlighting the need for transparency.
The RCD group also released a statement, condemning the assembly's president and his allies for allegedly putting the APW under seal for six months. They criticized the hastily assembled agenda, accusing the president and his allies of attempting to distribute favors. The RCD members specifically highlighted a significant increase in the budget for restaurant restoration, from 4 million DA to 14 million DA.
The RCD statement also expressed disappointment in the assembly's handling of issues related to summer fires, which have ravaged the region. The group argued that the assembly should have taken proactive measures to mitigate the damage. The RCD members emphasized that it is unacceptable to proceed with business as usual while an elected member, Samira Messouci, remains in prison.
As a result of the failed session, the assembly will reconvene on September 2, as per regulations. The incident highlights the ongoing divisions within the FFS and the challenges facing the Tizi Ouzou wilaya assembly.
Key points
- The Tizi Ouzou wilaya assembly session failed to reach a quorum due to the boycott by six FFS members.
- The FFS members, who are at odds with the party's leadership, demand the release of detained members and call for accountability in budget allocation.
- The incident has exposed deep divisions within the FFS and raised concerns about the effective governance of the wilaya.
