UPDATE - Algeria’s president appoints new prime minister

ADDS DEATILS

By Ikram Kouachi and Mohammad Sio

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune appointed Sifi Ghrieb as the country’s new prime minister on Sunday.

In a statement, the Algerian presidency said that Tebboune tasked Ghrieb with forming a new government.

Later, it announced a new government under Ghrieb, marking the sixth Cabinet since Tebboune took office in late 2019.

Presidential spokesperson Samir Agoun read out the list of ministers on state television, according to an Anadolu reporter.

The reshuffle retained most ministers including Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, Finance Minister Abdelkrim Boulzord and Justice Minister Lotfi Bougamaa. Army chief Said Chengriha also kept his role as minister delegate to the defense minister.

The Interior Ministry was expanded to include transport, with Transport Minister Said Sayoud retaining the role while also taking over as interior minister. Former Interior Minister Brahim Merad has become state minister in charge of state services and local authorities.

The energy portfolio saw a major shake-up. Incumbent Mohamed Arkab was appointed as Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, while Mourad Adjal, formerly CEO of the state-run electricity and gas utility Sonelgaz, was named Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies.

Other notable appointments include Yahia Bachir as industry minister, Abdelmalek Tacherift as veterans affairs minister, Amel Abdelatif as trade minister and Zohir Bouamama as communication minister.

Abdelhak Saihi moved from health to Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security, with Mohamed Seddik Aït Mesoudane taking over the health portfolio.

Abdelkader Jellaoui, governor of Annaba, was named minister of public works, while Yacine Mahdi Walid became agriculture and fisheries minister.

Late last month, Tebboune sacked Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui, who was appointed to the post in November 2023. No reason was given for his dismissal.​​​​​​​