Reactions to changes in Algeria's cabinet range from satisfaction within the ruling party to opposition discontent.
A surprise reshuffle of the Algerian cabinet on Friday (May 28th) has prompted everything from hopes for more openness to charges that the changes are only cosmetic.
"Nothing has changed," said Algerian National Front press officer Mohamed Tine. "No sign has been given that we are heading towards real political openness. It's not an exchange of portfolios that will make a difference in politics."
But former independent presidential candidate Mohamed Said said he hoped the change in interior ministers would lead to more political openness, especially with regard to approving the establishment of new parties.
"This is the only way that the latest reshuffle will become a healthy and high-quality step capable of injecting fresh blood into democratic life and putting an end to arbitrariness, impunity and public mistrust," he said in a statement obtained by Magharebia.
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced the changes during the Algeria-Ireland friendly on May 28th.
Energy Minister Chakib Khelil lost his job in the reshuffle, but most posts remained unchanged.
Youcef Yousfi, who formerly held the energy minister post, replaces Khelil. Former Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni ascends to the newly-created position of deputy prime minister, with Dahou Ould Kablia now holding the interior ministry post. Former Industry Minister Abdelhamid Temmar was appointed Minister of Forecasting and Statistics. Djamel Ould Abbas replaces outgoing Health Minister Said Barakat.
"It's a switch-around rather than a major change," Movement for Society and Peace press officer Mohamed Djemaa told Magharebia. "The departure of Khelil was to be expected, given the scandal that broke out at Sonatrach and the poor management that was identified during the GNL 16 conference."
The ministers in charge of fisheries and civil engineering have retained their posts despite corruption scandals that rocked their sectors, said Rally for Culture and Democracy spokesman Mohsen Belabbes.
"The Algerian government has well and truly been afflicted by bad cholesterol," he said.
Human rights campaigner Ali Yahia Abdenour told journalists on May 31st that the reshuffle has not made politics more open.
"Eleven ministers, some of whom are in charge of key ministries, are supporters of the president, with most of them coming from the same region as him: Tlemcen," he said.
However, political commentator Rachid Grim said the reshuffle points to a loss of influence for Bouteflika because "his men have been pushed aside".
The National Liberation Front (FLN), which still holds the majority of ministerial posts, appeared satisfied with the shake-up.
"The new government will make the strengthening of monitoring mechanisms its main concern," FLN press officer Kassa Aissa told Magharebia.
Political analyst Rachid Tlemçani said in a May 30th El Watan interview that the Zerhouni's newly-created post of deputy prime minister is strictly honorary and carries no decision-making powers.
"Now everything depends on the political strategy. The fact is that [Zerhouni's] hierarchical superior is [Prime Minister] Ahmed Ouyahia, a man who doesn't belong to the same party, and that makes his fight even harder", said Tlemçani.
"For my part, I think Zerhouni is preparing to leave due to his age and his health. Will he find a dignified exit?" he added.
Tlemçani said the cabinet reshuffle did "not resolve the burning question of succession".
"It's still a no-holds-barred situation, to the detriment of national interest, and this situation will persist until politics becomes institutionalised and opened up to everyone," he said.
Meanwhile, health-care workers are counting on the appointment of a new health minister to resolve their ongoing labour issues.
"We hope that the new minister will not be slow in opening the door to dialogue to solve the problems faced by health-care workers and general practitioners," a leader of the Union of Specialist Practitioners, Dr. Mohamed Yousfi, said at a May 30th press conference.
By Mouna Sadek for Magharebia in Algiers
© Magharebia.com 2010
