Algeria's energy wealth will help weaken the Hirak
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Significance
The COVID-19 pandemic and energy revenues in 2021-22 allowed Algerian authorities effectively to weaken the Hirak movement -- the large-scale popular protests that demanded the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the removal of the army from politics.
Impacts
- Foreign and domestic firms will continue to face an unfavourable business environment and red tape despite increased political stability.
- Although labour unions are weakened, manufacturing operations may remain vulnerable to disruptions and strikes.
- Government actions to promote non-oil exports will benefit agriculture, cement and steel industries.
- State inability to deliver some social services could occasionally destabilise social peace.