Beyonddennis

Abdelmadjid Tebboune

By Beyonddennis

Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a prominent figure in Algerian politics, has served as the President of Algeria since December 2019, concurrently holding the portfolio of Minister of Defence. His extensive career in public service spans several decades, marked by various significant roles within the Algerian government. This article delves into his life, tracing his journey from his early days to the highest office in the nation.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 17, 1945, in Mécheria, within what is now Naâma Province, Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune hails from a family originating from Boussemghoun in the El Bayadh Province, situated in the High Plains of southwestern Algeria. His father was a sheikh and a member of the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulema, as well as a soldier. The family's nationalist sentiments and his father's anti-colonial speeches led them to relocate to Sidi Bel Abbès, where Tebboune began his education.

He attended an Islamic school controlled by the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulema in Sidi Bel Abbès before the Algerian War (1953-1954). He joined a free school of imams in 1953 and successfully passed his middle school examination in 1957. Tebboune continued his studies at the regional high school and later at Benzerdjeb high school, where he earned his baccalaureate in 1965. His academic pursuits culminated in 1969 when he graduated from the National School of Administration in Hydra, specializing in Economics and Finance. He was part of the second class, which was named in honor of the revolutionary martyr Larbi Ben M'hidi.

Early Political Career and Ministerial Roles

Abdelmadjid Tebboune embarked on his professional career in the wilaya (province) of Béchar, then known as Saoura. He started as an administrator and project manager before being promoted to Secretary General of the wilaya of Djelfa in 1974. His administrative career saw him serving as Secretary General in Adrar (1976), Batna (1977), and M'Sila (1982). Subsequently, he held the esteemed position of Wali (Governor) for three different provinces: Adrar (1983-1984), Tiaret (1984-1989), and Tizi Ouzou (1989-1991).

Tebboune's entry into the national political arena came in 1991 when he was appointed Minister-Delegate for Local Government, a position he held until 1992 during the final months of Chadli Benjedid's presidency. He briefly retired from politics but made a significant comeback with the election of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 1999. Under Bouteflika's administration, Tebboune held several key ministerial roles:

• Minister of Communication and Culture (1999-2000)
• Minister-Delegate for Local Government (2000-2001)
• Minister of Housing and Urban Planning (2001-2002)

After a decade-long absence from the cabinet, during which he reportedly undertook special missions abroad for President Bouteflika, Tebboune returned to the government in 2012, once again as Minister of Housing. He held this position until 2017, also briefly serving as interim Minister of Commerce in 2017.

Premiership

On May 24, 2017, President Bouteflika appointed Abdelmadjid Tebboune as Prime Minister, succeeding Abdelmalek Sellal. This appointment came as a surprise to many Algerian political elites. However, his tenure as Prime Minister was remarkably brief, lasting less than three months. He was dismissed by Bouteflika on August 15, 2017, reportedly due to his attempts to take measures against corrupt business people loyal to the regime and his alleged effort to position himself as Bouteflika's successor during a meeting with his French counterpart. Ahmed Ouyahia was appointed to succeed him.

Presidency

The political landscape in Algeria underwent significant turmoil in 2019, marked by widespread protests known as the Hirak movement, which ultimately led to the resignation of long-time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April 2019. In this critical juncture, Abdelmadjid Tebboune ran for the presidency in the December 12, 2019, election. Despite a contentious election and a turnout of less than 40% of voters, Tebboune secured a landslide victory, winning with 58% of the vote against candidates from both main parties. He officially assumed office on December 19, 2019, becoming the 8th President of Algeria.

Tebboune's presidency began amidst a challenging political climate, with a need to address the demands of the Hirak movement for greater transparency, freedoms, and democratic reforms. He promised political reforms, economic revival, and diplomatic engagement.

Key Policies and Challenges during his first term:

• Constitutional Reforms: A new constitution, representing Tebboune's vision for administrative, political, economic, and foreign policy reforms, was approved in a referendum on November 1, 2020. Despite the lowest voter turnout in Algeria's history for a referendum, the changes laid the legal framework for significant shifts, including the possibility of deploying troops abroad and new electoral legislation.
• Response to Hirak and Civic Space: Early in his term, Tebboune expressed support for the Hirak movement and declared February 22 as the "National Day of Fraternity and Cohesion Between The People and Its Army For Democracy," praising the movement for preserving the country from collapse. He initially pledged to engage with Hirak leaders and released some imprisoned protesters. However, human rights organizations and observers note that authorities have subsequently cracked down on critical voices, restricting freedom of expression, the press, association, assembly, and movement, leading to the closure of many associations and media outlets and the prosecution of activists.
• Economic Reforms and Social Policies: Facing economic challenges, including endemic corruption and reliance on hydrocarbon revenues, Tebboune has focused on restructuring public finances, fighting corruption, and supporting the population's income. His administration introduced unemployment benefits for young adults aged 19 to 40 in February 2022, a program that has benefited approximately two million people. The monthly stipend was raised in January 2023. Other measures include raising public sector wages and pensions and plans to create 450,000 jobs. Tebboune's government passed legislation reducing barriers to foreign investment and aims to diversify the economy and boost non-hydrocarbon exports. The 2023 budget bill saw unprecedented government spending, prioritizing military needs, social welfare, and sector rehabilitation.
• COVID-19 Pandemic and Health Issues: In October 2020, Tebboune tested positive for COVID-19 and sought treatment in Germany, with the Prime Minister temporarily assuming his duties. He returned to Algeria in December 2020 but had to go back to Germany in January 2021 for complications in his foot related to the infection, returning in February 2021.
• Government Reshuffles: Tebboune has overseen several cabinet changes during his presidency. In July 2021, he formed a new government with Ayman Benabderrahmane as Prime Minister. In November 2023, he dismissed Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmne and replaced him with Nadir Larbaoui.

Second Term and Future Outlook

Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected for a second term in the presidential election held on September 7, 2024, securing 84.30% of the votes, according to final results. However, the election was marked by low voter turnout, and Tebboune himself, along with his challengers, criticized the election authority for announcing results that contradicted earlier turnout figures. This has raised concerns about his popular legitimacy.

During his campaign for the second term, Tebboune emphasized his economic record, including a 4% economic growth since 2022, bolstered by rising natural gas prices. He reiterated pledges to diversify the economy, create jobs, and increase public sector salaries. Tebboune aims for Algeria to become a leading economic power on the African continent in the short term, encouraging domestic investment and non-hydrocarbon exports. His administration continues to focus on social support services and has indicated that the economy will be a top priority for his second term.

Personal Life

Abdelmadjid Tebboune is married to Fatima Zohra Bella (also referred to as Cheikh Bella Zohra). They have five children: Saloua, Maha, Salaheddine Ilyes, Mohamed, and Khaled.

Through a long and varied career, Abdelmadjid Tebboune has navigated the complex currents of Algerian politics, from local administration to the highest office. His presidency has been characterized by efforts to stabilize the nation, implement economic reforms, and assert Algeria's role on the international stage, all while confronting significant domestic and global challenges.