Algerian PM presents action plan to parliament

ALGIERS - Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Tuesday presented his government's action plan to parliament, vowing to push ahead political reforms and promote social and economic development.

Sellal said that his government would spare no effort to implement the action plan stemming from the program of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

"It is now about optimizing the achievements of the president's program," he said in a press release.

The action plan commits the government to political reforms initiated by President Bouteflika, including the review of the Constitution.

The nationwide reconciliation process, which has been approved by an overwhelming majority of the people, will be reinforced so as to make lasting peace throughout the country, while the fight against terrorism will be pursued, Sellal said.

Other priorities of the action plan includes improving the people's living environment, maintaining public order and the safety of individuals and their properties, fighting corruption and social plagues.

As regards housing policies, more houses will be built through new public housing rental programs and incentives to private and public investment, while speculation will be cracked down, Sellal said.

The prime minister stressed that the government's objective is to fully lift social pressure about housing.

The government will pay special attention to employment, he said.

Moreover, he noted that his government will consolidate purchasing power through market regulation, price support to basic goods, control of distribution channels and fight against inflation.

Sellal stressed the need to boost the domestic economy through the support to wealth- and job-generating activities, in particular the state companies which will be the decisive and necessary instrument to produce goods, services, sustainable employment.

Business environment will be improved to facilitate investment, enhance the competitiveness of companies and increase domestic production, he said.

Sellal also pledged to follow the presidential program to boldly reform and modernize the country's financial sector in order to achieve double-digit economic growth.

On Sept 3, Sellal was appointed by Bouteflika as the country's new prime minister to replace Ahmed Ouyahia.