By RFIPosted on 14-12-2019Changed on 14-12-2019 at 08:31

The new Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 74, gave this Friday a press conference in Algiers where he announced he wanted to reach out to the protest movement.

The newly elected president made promises of change at his press conference. Abdelmadjid Tebboune sought to reassure. At first, saying that it was not the continuity of the system.

بالتغيير ملتزمون وعليه قادرون .. أشكر جميع الجزائريين على الثقة الغالية التي وضعوها في شخصي ، و أدعوكم جميعا

عبدالمجيد تبون - Abdelmadjid Tebboune (@ TebbouneAbdelm1) December 13, 2019

Ready to chat with Hirak

The Algerian president announced institutional changes such as the new constitution and a new electoral law. He has shown that he listens to the societal aspirations that run through the protest movement . And promised young people to work for their political and economic integration.

He also reiterated that he was reaching out to the protesters and was ready to speak directly with members of the Hirak. In form also, he tried to give a new image. The press conference was broadcast live by the media. It was held in part in the Algerian dialect, not in French or in classical Arabic, and above all, the journalists were able to ask their questions.

But the new president has had no specific proposals to make to those who emphasize the high rate of abstention . " A percentage does not legitimize, " he retorted.

The new Constitution subject to a referendum

Abdelmadjid Tebboune is also committed to fighting corruption. He also undertook to " amend the Constitution which will be subject to a popular referendum ".

" One of my first engagements with Hirak, with the Algerians, is to move quickly, during the first months of my presidency, towards the change of the Constitution, " said the new president.

This change will represent the new Algerian Republic. I would like a profound change through a new Constitution designed with all those concerned. I will call, our universities, our professors of constitutional law, intellectuals and all those who wish to participate in the enrichment of our new Constitution. The first version will be discussed, inside Algeria and outside with the Algerian communities. The Constitution will then be submitted to a popular referendum. When the people accept it, we will really enter the new Republic.

New Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune wants to change the Constitution

14-12-2019

One step forward

When he says that he is going to dialogue with the Hirak , it is already a step forward. It is the first time that we recognize this strength, because we are part of the majority of the people who sanctioned this election (...) He must respond favorably to our demands if he wants to have a bit hope otherwise we will not stop , "reacts a young activist from Hirak, after the speech Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The Algerian president has pledged to amend the Constitution. Everyone recognizes that since independence it is the Generals who have placed all the presidents and all the high decision-makers. Unfortunately, we are continuing this and I don't know if these people will be able to bring something new, ”said this young Hirak activist.

There are a lot of question marks. Do we really make this country a worthy country or not? In other words, to build our country because we have done practically nothing for 57 years. I want to believe it, but really I don't know , ”he testified.

► Read also: Algeria, a presidential election for nothing?

" No policy changes "

The Hirak mobilization movement had called on the Algerians to boycott this presidential election . And hit the streets this Friday. In Oran, a demonstration was violently suppressed .

It is an election which is disqualified in advance. In his speech, he reaches out to the demonstrators. On election day, hundreds of protesters were arrested , hundreds of injured in Tizi Ouzou. In Oran there was a strong repression of the demonstrators, dozens of arrests, so we did not see any changes in politics in the behavior of the Algerian government, ”reacts Kamel Nemmiche, member of the Youth Action Rally (RAJ).

" Society currently considers that the president who will be elected is a president who will not have the lies to be able to act, to be able to change something, " he concludes.

    On the same subject

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