Renowned French actress Veronique Genest described Algeria’s presidency of the UN Security Council as “one more step towards the downfall of this great machine” in a post on X on Wednesday.
Her remarks focused on Algeria’s human rights record and the country’s “totalitarian” governance.
Un pays totalitaire à la présidence du conseil de sécurité de l’ONU c’est un pas de plus vers la déchéance de ce grand machin. https://t.co/ODWyN2CaTb
— Véronique Genest 🇫🇷 (@veroniquegenest) January 1, 2025
Algeria assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council on January 1, 2025, sparking widespread criticism given the country’s grim human rights record.
Algeria’s assumption of the presidency comes at a time of internal crisis. The country is grappling with significant economic woes, including soaring inflation, high unemployment, and severe shortages of basic goods like cars, electronics, and food.
The hardships have fueled public discontent, manifesting in a growing online campaign under the hashtag #مانيش_راضي (#I’m_Not_Satisfied).
The campaign calls for the downfall of the ruling military class. Activists are calling for the military to retreat to its traditional role of securing borders and leave civilian leaders to manage governance.
Echoing the 2019 Hirak Movement protests, citizens are demanding an end to military rule and urgent reforms to improve their quality of life.
Social media is swarming with videos of citizens decrying the military’s control over political and economic decision-making, which has stifled progress and plunged the nation deeper into economic despair.