Who actually governs Algeria?

The triad of the ruling family, generals and businessmen, led by Algeria's brother-in-law, Said Bouteflika, gradually managed to manage the power in Algeria, according to an article in the French newspaper Nouvel Observateur.

Celine Lucato, in her article, says that the Algerian "princes of the regime" are following with concern the ongoing intifada. They know very well that the Algerian demonstrations are not only targeting President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, but all the parties behind him and moving him.

The political science specialist Mohamed Hanad that the most important questions that should be asked in Algeria now is who runs the country behind the scenes? He sees the Algerian regime as a "black box" with members of the Bouteflika family, high-ranking officers, politicians and businessmen mercilessly forming "intertwined and monolithic circles".

Mohammed First
After the death of President Houari Boumediene in December 1978, Abdelaziz Bouteflika thought he would succeed him directly in power, but during his 20 years of exile he learned to trust only his family.

The three "Presidents" brothers have ensured business management. Abdel-Rahim, who is more known as Nasser, who is the secretary-general of the Ministry of Vocational Training, occupies the position of "brother of the secrets" for Abdel Aziz. The second brother is Abdul Ghani, who has lost his reputation in recent years and retired because of his illness. His name was mentioned in the resounding "Khalifa case", a financial scandal dating back to 2000 that combined corruption and the embezzlement of public property.

Said Bouteflika remains the strongest of the three brothers, since he occupies the seat of President. Saeed al-Maarouf is the "brother of the brother" - the country's daily affairs at the palace of Zeralda. But to what extent? In this context, according to political scientist Hosni Obaidi, "Said Bouteflika became the only voice of the presidency" or rather "the person who speaks on behalf of the president", following the injury of Abdelaziz Bouteflika with a stroke in 2013, as well as who is consulted by guests Algeria is one of the heads of state and foreign governments.

The second pole in Algeria's rule is the military, where the military wraps around who has the most influence, chief of staff or head of military intelligence (DRS). "In the current situation, Chief of Staff General Ahmed Kayed Saleh is the person who laid the foundation for this alliance with President Bouteflika," he said, leaving no chance of attacking Bouteflika's opponents.

Internal conflicts
Internal conflicts are at the heart of the military establishment. A few months ago, Bouteflika's big head was overthrown. The most prominent of these is General Abdul Ghani Hamel, who was removed in a drug case in June.

Opinions also differ on the very confidential role of the DRS. Many confirm that their political role has been reduced since General Mohamed Madin, known as Tawfiq, who headed the apparatus for a quarter of a century, was due to retire in 2015. It is a "political execution" that the local press considered a "landmark strike" from Bouteflika's group .

On the other hand, some, like political science expert Mohammed Hashmawi, refuse to believe "this imaginary story." He asserts that "the deep state has more than ever strengthened its control over the powers of decision-making and implementation in the state." "This false picture of the destruction of the deep state has been the safest way to prepare for the post-Bouteflika period," he said.

Alliance of interests
The writer added that the third pole, according to Hassani Obeidi, is "interest groups". Due to the mismanagement of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, some businessmen flourished. "Many business owners today do not hide their relations with the system, which is true of the president of the Forum of Algerian Enterprise Heads Ali Haddad, who has openly admitted his friendship with Said Bouteflika" and some other civilian and military officials. "

Moreover, Reza Koninav is one of the most prominent faces of the Algerian regime. The 40-year-old man tops the list of Algeria's most powerful people. There have been rumors that Coninav is ready to fund Abdelaziz Bouteflika's next presidential campaign and the campaign of Said Bouteflika if he decides to succeed his brother.

For his part, Mohamed Hanad pointed out that "the relations in the field of business that unites these men are the rule of Algeria today, before any other consideration."

Due to fruitful public contracts, foreign cash flows and administrative facilities, Algeria is among the most corrupt countries in Transparency International's global ranking, ranking 105th out of 180 countries in addition to Egypt and El Salvador. This shows that Algeria is run by a corrupt system based on the misappropriation of oil and gas funds.