Bodiba says government failed

A leading figure in the independent trade union bloc Massoud Bodiba strongly criticized the decisions taken by the government of Ahmed Ouyahia, to face the financial crisis experienced by the country because of the collapse of oil prices in world markets.

He rebuked the budget bill passed by the Algerian government to end the current financial crisis witnessed in the country since the fall of oil prices, saying that the bill contained notable increase in the prices of basic commodities and suspension of employment in a large number of sectors.

He stressed that The “work plan” of Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia is expected to garner wide support at parliament where it will be up for a vote on Sunday, predicted observers of the political situation in the North African country. The premier’s document acknowledges that the Algeria people will face difficulties in 2018 due to the lack of financial resources.

The Algerian lawmaker announced that they will oppose the plan that was drafted during President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s fourth term in office. Their influence will be however limited at parliament because they are in the minority.

He added that Ouyahia’s plan expresses government skepticism about the possibility of improving the country’s income from the selling of fuel during the next two years, revealed a copy of the document obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat. He added that this has prompted the PM to voice his intention to amend the loan law through printing more hard currency.

He stressed the possibility to obtain a loan from the Central Bank has not been ruled out. Economic and financial experts predicted that this step will create great inflation and spark a rise in the majority of products, which will ultimately keep the deficit as it is.

He added that should the Central Bank fail to print more hard cash, the government may not have the sufficient funds to pay the salaries of employees for November.

He denied the existence of a relationship between the protest movement and the elections or use them as a trump card to meet their demands, pointing out that the selection of history was based on several criteria, the most important preparation and mobilization for the success of the sit-in, especially as it is decided in the province of Algiers.