Algerian Radio
The President of the Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, stressed that Algeria will never mortgage its independence nor its wealth to anyone, as they belong solely to the Algerians, highlighting the importance of understanding the dimensions and repercussions of current international events in Algeria's immediate surroundings.
During his periodic media interview with representatives of the national press, broadcast Saturday evening on national television and radio channels, the President of the Republic stated: "We are working to solve our problems ourselves, because in the past we suffered from conflicts and no one stood by us," adding: "Today we have the opportunity to solve the citizen's problems, and we will not mortgage Algeria's independence or its wealth to anyone except for the Algerians."
The President of the Republic urged the national media to be "aware of the current international events unfolding in the immediate, regional, and global surroundings."
He also warned against certain "fifth column mouthpieces who thought they were protected by foreign parties employing them to cause disruption and sow division among society's components, only to finally realize they were mistaken and that no entity could provide them with protection."
The President of the Republic recalled that he took an oath before the Algerian people during his constitutional inauguration to be "an adversary to anyone who dares to undermine national unity or any component of the national identity, which is protected by the Constitution and the laws of the Republic."
He also reaffirmed that freedom of expression is guaranteed in Algeria, provided that the laws of the Republic, the components of national identity, and societal traditions are respected, and on the condition that the ideas expressed belong to the individual and are not dictated by external parties.
He also noted that the intervention of the Algerian judiciary in matters related to the expression of opinion is “rare,” stressing that “anyone who violates the principles outlined in the Constitution, Algerian law, and societal traditions will pay the price, because the judiciary is independent and its task is to prevent defamation and insult.”
The President of the Republic criticized the double standards of certain countries that claim to be models of democracy, while they penalize with imprisonment anyone who expresses sympathy for the Palestinian cause on social media platforms.
On this occasion, the President of the Republic reflected on the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Algeria, describing it as “successful”. It marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and agreeing to make them “permanent” and “mutually enriching”. He noted that he has issued instructions to Algeria's ambassador to the Vatican State in this direction, and furthermore, he proposed to the Pope the opening of a Vatican embassy in Algiers, a proposal that was met with approval.
In the same context, the President of the Republic considered that this visit “refuted the myth of the former colonizer who claims to have created Algeria.” He noted that “the Pope highlighted, before the world, that Algeria's history is deeply rooted, predating even Saint Augustine.”
Furthermore, this visit has placed Algeria in its “natural position,” added the President of the Republic, who emphasized that Algeria can play a “significant role” in interfaith dialogue and in bringing peoples and cultures closer together. He reaffirmed that Algeria is ready to fulfill this role as a “trusted mediator”.
The President of the Republic also reflected on the symbolic visit of the Vatican Pope to Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, stating in this regard: “Those who did not know Algeria have now seen this landmark, which is the third largest mosque in the world.”
On another level, regarding the legislative elections scheduled for July 2, the President of the Republic confirmed that all conditions are in place to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. He noted that the establishment of the Independent National Authority for Elections (ANIE) embodies the state's policy aimed at eliminating any suspicion that might affect the transparency and fairness of the polls.
He pointed out that “the term fraud no longer exists in the political dictionary of Algerians,” highlighting the state's efforts aimed at blocking the use of corrupt money and preventing political opportunism (political roaming).
He warned that “any attempt to undermine the integrity of the elections will be met with the full force of the law,” emphasizing: “We are working to build an unshakeable state founded on sound and solid foundations.”
Responding to a question regarding reports on the purchase of party membership cards and candidacy approvals, the President emphasized that “anyone proven to be involved in such acts will face criminal proceedings leading to detention, termination of duties, withdrawal of trust, and the lifting of immunity through the Constitutional Court.” He reaffirmed that “the law is clear and will be applied to everyone; no one is above the law.”
Regarding women's participation in politics, the President of the Republic maintained that “women's entry into the political arena must be based on their ideas and their capacity to develop society.” He pointed out that “allocating quotas for female representation may harm women more than it benefits them.”
On another note, regarding illegal commercial practices, the President of the Republic emphasized that the state will not tolerate anyone who compromises the livelihood of Algerians, asserting that “anyone speculating on Eid Al-Adha livestock will pay a heavy price.”
He also warned against certain practices in export activities, such as under-invoicing, noting that cases were recently recorded where 350 million dollars in foreign currency from exports failed to enter the country. He stated: “We have eliminated the gang that practiced over-invoicing, only to find ourselves facing another gang practicing under-invoicing.”
