New Algerian polls will not address protest demands

Significance

Demonstrations resumed on February 22, the second anniversary of the ‘Hirak’ movement that ousted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office. His successor, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has failed to appease the protest movement. On February 21, he announced the release of political prisoners, a partial cabinet reshuffle and the dissolution of parliament in anticipation of elections, but the measures appear to have been ineffective in staving off dissent.

Impacts

• After the elections, Tebboune might have backing for economic reforms that would open the economy to foreign investors.
• As reserves have fallen to USD43bn, down from USD59bn in February 2020, Algiers may have to resort to external borrowing.
• Members of the old regime who survived the fall of Bouteflika might decide to fight back if Tebboune challenges their interests too much.