the government warns against “subversive” acts

The Algerian government toughened its tone Thursday, May 6 in the face of the social crisis that is shaking the country, by denouncing “The exploitation of trade union activity by certain subversive movements” a few days after suspending 230 firefighters for demonstrating in Algiers.

“An exploitation of trade union activity by certain subversive movements aimed at sowing fitna [sédition] has recently been raised ‘, underlines a press release from the Prime Minister’s services, while recognizing the right to strike and trade union freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

The influential magazine of the army El Djeich lambasted strikes this week “Suspicious”, warning that “National security [était] a red line “, in the run-up to the legislative elections called on June 12.

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“The stubbornness of some to hold strikes at a suspicious time is the best proof that this can only be part of an attempt to stir up trouble to achieve goals and interests that are not in the direction of the improvement of the professional situation and workers’ rights “, wrote El Djeich.

The Algerian authorities have been facing for several weeks an increase in social conflicts, fueled by a high unemployment rate (15%) and the pauperization of large sections of society.

“Bad practices”, “conspiracy”

Social tensions are added to a deep economic crisis, born from the fall in the oil rent, and to the political deadlock that has persisted since the popular anti-Hirak uprising two years ago.

In its press release, the government of Abdelaziz Djerad incriminates certain “Bad practices” taken during the twenty years in office of ousted former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

This warning from the authorities comes following the suspension of 230 firefighters who demonstrated on Sunday with wage and socio-professional demands near the presidential headquarters in Algiers. A sanction that immediately mobilized their colleagues, threatening collective resignation if they were not reinstated.

Read also Algeria: 230 firefighters sanctioned for demonstrating

The interior ministry called the firefighters’ demonstration “Conspiracy” fomented by “Parties hostile to Algeria”, a recurring accusation against any dissenting voice.

While his interior minister Kamel Beldjoud wielded the baton, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called on the government to open ” a dialogue “ with the social partners in an attempt to extinguish social anger.

In a petition relayed Thursday by the official APS agency, a collective led by personalities close to power urged the Algerian people to “Close ranks” and to “To unite around the national state, its unity and its sovereignty” in the face of threats of destabilization from Algeria.

The World with AFP