Tunis: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, elevating Sifi Ghrieb as the country’s new Prime Minister and appointing Mourad Adjal to head the crucial Energy and Renewable Energy Ministry. The decision marks one of the most significant political realignments in Tebboune’s term, coming at a time when Algeria faces pressing economic challenges and shifting regional dynamics.
Sifi Ghrieb, formerly the Minister of Industry, had been serving as acting Prime Minister following the dismissal of Nadir Larbaoui. His official appointment underscores Tebboune’s confidence in his ability to steer government policy at a time when the administration is under pressure to deliver both economic stability and institutional reforms. Known for his pragmatic approach, Ghrieb is expected to focus on industrial diversification and modernization, areas that Algeria has long struggled to advance beyond its heavy reliance on hydrocarbons.
The appointment of Mourad Adjal as Minister of Energy and Renewable Energy is equally noteworthy. Adjal, who previously led Sonelgaz, Algeria’s state electricity and gas utility, has a strong track record in managing the country’s energy infrastructure. By giving him charge of both traditional energy and renewables, Tebboune appears to be signaling a dual strategy consolidating Algeria’s position as a key supplier of natural gas to Europe while also investing in renewable energy development to prepare for the future.
Despite these changes, the cabinet retains continuity in several critical portfolios. The ministers of finance, foreign affairs, and trade have all kept their posts, reflecting Tebboune’s desire for stability in areas most closely tied to international relations and fiscal management. Observers suggest that this blend of continuity and change reflects a calculated balancing act: reassuring investors and foreign partners while addressing growing public demand for more responsive governance.
Algeria’s energy sector remains the backbone of its economy, accounting for the vast majority of export revenues. With Europe still looking to diversify away from Russian gas, Algeria’s role as a supplier has gained renewed geopolitical significance. Analysts believe Adjal’s leadership could prove vital in expanding production capacity, managing partnerships, and advancing renewable projects in solar and wind sectors where Algeria has untapped potential.
The reshuffle also comes against a backdrop of domestic challenges. High unemployment, inflation, and calls for deeper political reform continue to weigh heavily on Tebboune’s administration. The new Prime Minister and Energy Minister will be closely watched not only for their ability to deliver on economic growth but also for their capacity to navigate Algeria’s complex political and social terrain.
This latest move highlights President Tebboune’s intent to recalibrate his government’s leadership without destabilizing key areas of governance. Whether the reshuffle translates into tangible change for ordinary Algerians will depend on how effectively the new appointees can align political promises with economic realities.