1. Demonstration effects: How the Hirak protest movement is reshaping Algerian politics
- Author:
- Amel Boubekeur
- Publication Date:
- 02-2020
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- European Council On Foreign Relations
- Abstract:
- The Hirak protest movement has revealed flaws in Algeria’s ruling system, which lacks the tools to reinvent itself or negotiate a new social contract with the people. The army has been unable to restore the “civilian president” narrative it used for two decades, while the current president has been unable to disguise his dependence on the military leadership. The regime can no longer use rigged elections as a substitute for negotiations with citizens. The regime is trying to promote a narrative on the removal of mafias connected with the former president as a guarantee of a new era. The Hirak has created a political culture of popular empowerment, but it still has to agree on a road map for a political transition.
- Topic:
- Corruption, Politics, Social Movement, Elections, Protests, and Demonstrations
- Political Geography:
- Algeria and North Africa