2027 budget debate focuses on purchasing power and spending results
The opening debate on the 2027 finance bill in the People’s National Assembly on 2 November focused on household purchasing power and budget funding. Echorouk reports that MPs called for better-targeted support, a broader tax base and action against tax evasion rather than additional taxes. They also sought assessment of what public spending actually achieves. Concerns were raised about the possible effect of fuel-price changes on transport and production costs; these were parliamentary concerns, not announced price rises.
Source: Echorouk
Algeria and the Netherlands discuss security and economic cooperation
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on 2 November. In remarks reported by Echorouk, Berendsen said the talks covered regional stability, threats in the Sahel, and cooperation on energy, water and agriculture. He expressed a wish to strengthen bilateral trade and mutually beneficial partnerships. He also looked ahead to the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. The meeting outlined opportunities for cooperation rather than announcing signed agreements.
Source: Echorouk
Gas output rose in 2025 while natural-gas exports edged down
Sonatrach’s 2025 results, as reported by TSA, put natural-gas production at 134.3 billion cubic metres, compared with 127.9 billion in 2024. Domestic sales reached 57.3 billion cubic metres, up 7.8%, mainly because of increased demand from Sonelgaz. Natural-gas exports totalled 34 billion cubic metres, a decline of 1%. These figures concern the 2025 reporting year: growth in production should not be confused with an increase in exported volumes.
Source: TSA
Retirement fund offers hands-on help with digital services
The National Retirement Fund announced the launch of “Takaoudi ALL IN ONE” desks in its local agencies on 2 November, according to Echorouk. The desks are intended to help pensioners and entitled beneficiaries understand digital services, install the app and create and activate their accounts. Staff will guide users step by step and record difficulties they encounter. The aim is to make remote services easier to use and reduce repeated journeys to agencies. This is in-person support for digital access, not the removal of face-to-face assistance.
Source: Echorouk
At the book fair, Stora calls for broader work on colonial memory
Historian Benjamin Stora called for coordinated work on archives, education and testimony at the Algiers International Book Fair, Echorouk reports. In his view, an apology alone would not settle historical disputes over colonial rule. He described implementation of the recommendations in his 2021 report as mixed and said work on historical memory had slowed after initial progress. These are the historian’s assessment and proposals, not an announcement of a new government programme.
Source: Echorouk
Football: Rafik Belghali’s availability remains uncertain
Echorouk reports that Algeria defender Rafik Belghali was injured while playing for Torino away to Frosinone on Sunday evening, 1 November, and left the match before the end. The injury comes ahead of Algeria’s training camp for two fixtures against Togo in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The nature of the injury and expected time out had not yet been precisely established, pending medical tests. His participation therefore remains uncertain; the report does not confirm his withdrawal.
Source: Echorouk