Algeria appoints Finance Minister Benab Drahman as prime minister

The 60-year-old Ayman Benabderrahmane is tasked with forming a new government after the parliamentary elections.

The President of Algeria has appointed Finance Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane as prime minister and asked him to form a new government as the country seeks to contain the deep socio-economic crisis.

The Presidential Palace announced on Wednesday that the 60-year-old was appointed to replace Abdelaziz Djerad, who resigned last week after the June 12 parliamentary elections.

The presidential statement said: “Aimene Benabderrahmane has been appointed as prime minister, responsible for consultations with political parties and civil society to form a government as soon as possible.”

Algeria, an OPEC member country, has been facing fiscal pressure because of the decline in oil and gas revenue, which is the main source of national finances, leading to a widening trade deficit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis worsened, forcing the government to postpone several planned investment projects in various sectors.

Despite attempts to develop the non-energy sector, this North African country with a population of 45 million has not succeeded in diversifying its economy away from oil and gas.

According to data from the World Bank, the unemployment rate exceeds 12%.

Elected in December 2019, President Abdulmadjit Tebil has repeatedly requested political and economic reforms after popular protests, asking the ruling elite to force his predecessor, Abdulaz Bhuto-2019 Resigned in April.

On Wednesday, Tebone, who had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Gerrard and his cabinet, thanked him for leading the government “under difficult circumstances,” especially during the coronavirus pandemic.