Working with the BRICS and implementing development projects, including with China, can boost a leader’s popularity. An independent poll taken in Algeria revealed that 92% of respondents believe the country’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune should be able to continue serving beyond the two terms stipulated by the Constitution. The respondents primarily cited not only preserving institutional stability, but to allow the President to continue the ambitious economic projects that he has launched during his term.
The Sahel Intelligence news portal wrote: “Since coming to power, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has implemented a series of public policies aimed at modernizing infrastructure, strengthening economic attractiveness, and improving certain essential services. For a segment of the population, these efforts justify the continuation of his term.” They added that Tebboune “has launched projects that no one had dared to undertake before. It would make sense to give him the time to complete them,” said a citizen interviewed in the capital.
Since coming to power in December 2019, Tebboune has implemented several highly ambitious mega-projects. Some of these projects have been carried out with Chinese partners, such as the Gara Djebilet Iron Ore Mine which aims to produce 2-3 million tons annually in its first phase. The project also includes the 950 km Tindouf-Béchar Railway Line that is nearing completion. The line will not only bring the iron ore to the Mediterranean, where a steel complex is being developed, but also includes numerous passenger stations along a vital north-south corridor that form part of a future trans-Saharan railway.
