Gas Price Spike, Only Thing Saving Algerian Regime, The Economist

British newspaper “The Economist”, underlined that the only thing currently saving the Algerian “rotten” regime is the soaring price of gas and oil.
In an article entitled “Why Algeria’s rotten regime has been lucky?”, the paper predicted that when energy prices fall again, things will wobble off in the gas-producing country.
In an in-depth analysis of Algeria’s present condition, the article was extremely critical of the dire economic, political, and social conditions in Algeria, pointing out that Sonatrach, the largest oil company in the country, is “a badly run behemoth that dominates the energy sector.”
Regarding Algeria’s social climate, the paper noted that the terms “hogra” and “haraga” in the local language perfectly describe the country’s condition. The term “Haraga” refers to the increasing number of Algerians who burn their IDs in order to immigrate illegally in search of a better life. “So far this year, some 13,000 have reached Spain in rickety boats.”
The article wrote that “economic growth has often lagged behind the soaring population, now around 45m, and the rising domestic consumption of gas limits the scope for exporting more of it. Unemployment is around 15%, and far higher for the young.”
It also stressed that it is evident the new regime of Abdelmadjid Tebboune is no different than Bouteflika’s.