Publication

Algeria is the only country in North Africa which seems to be relatively immune to the so-called “Arab spring”. Popular protests did erupt in Algeria, but the demands of the protesters never reached a popular consensus calling for the demise of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The Algerian authorities have responded by implementing a series of economic and social reforms, which have further weakened the resolve and unity of the protesters, but strikes and demonstrations have continued. Given the country’s geostrategic importance at both regional and international levels, the international community and in particular the EU must do more in order to ensure that Algeria is set on a sustainable path for the future.