ALGIERS, Aug 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Algerian presidency announced on Thursday that Industry Minister Sifi Ghrieb had been appointed interim prime minister.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune removed his prime minister, Nadir Larbaoui, according to a statement that provided no reason for the decision.
Larbaoui, a former lawyer, had held the post since November 2023 following a diplomatic career that saw him represent Algeria as ambassador to several countries as well as to the United Nations.
His absence from a recent meeting to discuss a bus crash that had killed 18 people in the North African country had drawn attention and criticism on social media.
The presidency statement said Industry Minister Sifi Ghrieb was appointed interim prime minister.
Ghrieb, who will keep his ministerial portfolio, has served in various senior positions besides that of minister of industry and pharmaceutical production, such as board chairman at the Algerian Qatari Steel company.
As he assumed his prime ministerial duties on Thursday, Ghrieb was quoted by Algerian news agency APS as saying, “We have a lot of work ahead of us as the public resumes work after summer vacations”. He committed to implementing “the president’s programme as well as other projects, bringing added value to the national economy”.
The removal of Larbaoui has sparked much speculation in Algeria with the general public usually distrustful of unexplained government decisions.
The sacking of Larbaoui has surprised Algeria watchers, reflecting instability at the helm of power in the hydrocarbon-rich North African nation with the last reshuffle dating back to only nine months.
The acting prime minister will have to deal with an economy that is heavily dependent on hydrocarbon revenues and not providing enough jobs.
Foreign policy and security issues, including the worrying situation in neighbouring Mali, are considered to be the domain of the president and the powerful army. — NNN-AGENCIES
