Political consultations spearheaded by the newly elected Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, included key opposition figures.
Until recently it was these same opposition figures Tebboune is meeting with that rejected his election under the pretext that it represented an “extension” of the rule of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Tebboune met with opposition leader Soufiane Djilali.
The two discussed the presidential invitation to hold dialogue with the popular movement, the work of the panel of experts set up to amend the constitution and comprehensive political and economic reform that was promised by Tebboune during his election campaign last December.
A statement issued by the presidency regarding the meeting said it “falls within the framework of the consultations that the President of the Republic holds with national personalities, leaders of political parties and civil society, and pertains to the general situation in the country.”
It confirmed that the two discussed the constitutional revision meant to lay the foundations for a new republic, something that is at the heart of popular demands.
Djilali, according to the statement, presented the views of his party and made proposals to promote consultation and dialogue.
Local media in Algeria places Djilali within the radical opposition, which is made up of parties that routinely reject any truce or rapprochement with the authority.
During this week, Tebboune is expected to arrange a meeting with Abderrazak Makri, head of the opposition Islamic Party (MSP). This signals Makri’s acceptance holding dialogue with the new authority.
Opposition personalities justify changing their attitudes towards Tebboune and projects he is leading by “political realism,” and that the popular movement “did not offer an alternative to the elections.”
They say that Tebboune is “a fait accompli” that must be dealt with.
