Algerian President Dismisses Prime Minister Amid Economic Struggles
Mohamed Labaoui, Head of Cabinet and Former Ambassador, Named as Replacement Ahead of 2024 Elections
- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has dismissed Prime Minister Aimene Benabderahmne and replaced him with Mohamed Labaoui, the head of his cabinet.
- The change in leadership comes as Algeria grapples with inflation and as the country prepares for next year's presidential elections.
- President Tebboune, who will be seeking another term in the December 2024 elections, has faced criticism for his handling of the economy and for crackdowns on pro-democracy groups.
- Algeria, heavily reliant on oil and gas for its budget, has been hit by inflation similar to many countries post-pandemic, but has also benefitted from Europe's shift away from Russian natural gas.
- The incoming Prime Minister, Mohamed Labaoui, is a former athlete and member of Algeria's diplomatic corps, having served as the country's ambassador to Egypt and the United Nations.