Latest news with #Echorouk
El Chorouk
6 days ago
- Automotive
- El Chorouk
Algerian-Slovenian Partnership in the Automotive Industry
Algerian-Slovenian consultations have begun regarding the possibility of launching joint industrial cooperation in producing auto parts and vehicle components, reflecting Algeria's ambition to establish an integrated mechanical industry based on local integration and smart partnerships. These discussions revolve around two main options: either the exchange of products between Algerian manufacturers and their Slovenian counterparts or establishing joint industrial projects that capitalize on the capabilities of both parties. During a senior official visit, the Slovenian side received a detailed presentation on the Algerian market's opportunities, needs, and the high quality of spare parts and components that can be provided locally. In this context, Adel Bensassi, head of the Mechanics Association, told Echorouk that, as part of Algeria's efforts to revitalize the automotive industry according to a new vision based on high integration rates and effective local production, preparations have begun for possible industrial cooperation with Slovenia in the field of subcontracting and spare parts. He indicated that a meeting is expected soon, possibly during next September on the sidelines of the African Exhibition in Algiers at the latest. This comes in parallel with the agreements ordered to be implemented by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune following his recent visit to the European country. Bensassi, who is also Chairman of the Advisory Council for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, explained that the Algerian business delegation that accompanied the President during his visit to Slovenia two weeks ago discussed with the Slovenian side opportunities for joint business, both through parts manufactured locally in Algeria and those produced in Slovenia, with the possibility of exchanging products to serve vehicle factories in both countries. He added that 'the discussion revolved around Algerian spare parts that meet specifications and are certified by regulatory bodies, capable of entering the European market, in exchange for importing high-quality Slovenian parts that would contribute to increasing the rate of industrial integration in Algeria, or even joint factories for spare parts and auto components from Algeria and Slovenia. The Slovenian side appeared open to all forms of cooperation'. Bensassi asserted that the visit also included a field visit to an auto parts manufacturing company in Slovenia, where the Algerian delegation expressed its admiration for the technological advancements adopted in manufacturing, particularly the use of advanced machinery and digitalisation in standardisation and quality control. Precise technical observations were recorded by Algerian experts for study and use in developing the local industrial fabric. He emphasized that the revival of the automotive spare parts industry is being personally monitored by the Industry Minister, who expressed a progressive vision based on a genuine desire to produce various automotive components locally, thus providing new factories with real opportunities for full integration into the manufacturing system, rather than relying solely on assembly or import. 'This cooperation is not limited to Slovenia alone, but extends to several leading countries in the field of subcontracting and manufacturing automotive parts, as part of a national strategy to reduce dependency and reduce the import bill,' he added. Examples of leading Slovenian companies in this field include TPV Automotive, a leading manufacturer of metal structures and chassis components, and a direct supplier to global car manufacturers such as Renault and BMW Dublovi. Hidria Group specialises in ignition and combustion systems and precision mechanical parts for diesel and gasoline engines. Ampol Group produces aluminium parts used in the automotive and aeronautics industries. Kolektor Group manufactures electrical systems and mechanical parts used in engines and vehicle control systems. Bensassi concludes that Algeria, as it lays the foundations for a truly successful vehicle manufacturing industry, is betting on building smart partnerships with experienced industrial nations, such as Slovenia, to ensure a smooth transition to an integrated manufacturing system based on efficiency, quality, and industrial sovereignty.
Ya Biladi
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Power outage in Spain : Algerian media blame Morocco and contradict Pedro Sanchez
The Algerian media never miss an opportunity to exploit situations to accuse Morocco and hold it responsible for regional crises. Recently, these outlets rushed to promote a narrative alleging Morocco's involvement, alongside Israel, in a cyberattack that caused a power outage in Spain, claiming it was a «retaliatory response» to Madrid's support for the Palestinian people. However, these claims quickly lost credibility, especially after official statements from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who expressed gratitude to both Morocco and France for supplying electricity to southern and northern Spain during the crisis earlier last week. Despite this, the newspaper Echorouk, known for its proximity to the authorities, published an article refuting Sanchez's statements, claiming that «the Spanish refuted the lies of the Makhzen», and adding that «the Makhzen committed a scandal that made it a subject of ridicule and mockery in Spain: it officially announced, through its press, that it helped Spain and provided it with electricity during the the blackout». The article claimed that as soon as the news was released, a storm of mockery swept through the media and social networks, disproving the Moroccan claim and exposing its malicious intent. In an attempt to justify its claims, the newspaper published fabricated statistics, alleging that «Morocco has one of the worst electrical networks in the world, that half of its cities experience daily power outages and fluctuations, that a third of its population only uses electricity at night due to high bills, and that a quarter—especially in rural areas—do not have access to electricity, according to the World Energy Organization and the testimony of Moroccans themselves». The Algerian newspaper also cited an article by Spanish journalist Ignacio Cembrero, known for his hostility towards Morocco. Describing him as «the greatest Spanish journalist», the article further claimed that «the Moroccan grid was saved, not the other way around. The power outage required an immediate adjustment of the Moroccan electrical system, which was successfully implemented». Echorouk continued, claiming that the Spanish Prime Minister thanked the Makhzen for «imaginary assistance» in supplying Spain with electricity. Spanish commentators reportedly said: «Do not pay attention to what the Prime Minister said; he is more Moroccan than the King of the Makhzen». Spanish Media Confirms Morocco's Crucial Role Contrary to the claims of the Algerian media, major Spanish newspapers covered Morocco's support for Spain. El País reported, «Morocco, which usually relies on Spain to meet its growing electricity needs, mobilized up to 38% of its production capacity on Monday afternoon (April 28) to send energy, aiming to restart supplies cut off due to the power outage in southern Iberian Peninsula». El Independiente noted that at the time of the power outage, Morocco was «importing about 778 megawatts of electricity from the Spanish grid». It added: «In record time, Morocco managed to prevent its supply from dropping to zero, a rare incident that lasted for 12 hours and became a lifeline for the Iberian Peninsula». The newspaper explained that Morocco exported 5.45% of the electricity available in the Spanish market, generated from a mix of coal and natural gas. Spain and Morocco are connected by two electrical links with a capacity of 400 kilovolts and 1,400 megawatts, installed in 1998. A third link is scheduled for implementation in 2028. The Kingdom is also considering a connection with France and Mauritania. Morocco's Energy Independence Plans Morocco is actively seeking energy independence. Recently, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development launched a tender to develop national gas infrastructure, including the construction of Morocco's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the Nador West Med port. The Kingdom is also pursuing the construction of an African Atlantic gas pipeline from Nigeria—a project that Algeria deems unfeasible—while promoting its own project to transport gas from Nigeria to the Mediterranean through Niger, despite strained relations with Niger, which have escalated to the point of recalling ambassadors. This media campaign is part of a broader pattern of repeated accusations by official or pro-government media in Algeria, targeting Morocco in every crisis or incident. The intensity of these media attacks increases whenever Morocco achieves diplomatic successes on the international stage, particularly regarding the Western Sahara conflict.
El Chorouk
05-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
French MPs call on Paris to repent and to recognize the May 8th 1945 heinous massacres in Algeria
The French National Assembly, the lower chamber of parliament, submitted a list signed by 71 deputies, calling on the French state to officially recognize and explicitly condemn the horrendous massacres committed on May 8, 1945 against Algerians in Setif, Kherrata, Guelma and neighboring areas, as a state crime committed against an unarmed people who demanded freedom, dignity and equality. According to the text of the proposal dated May 5, 2025, seen by Echorouk the bloody repression that took place on May 8, 1945, while France was celebrating its victory over Nazism, is another face of barbarism, this time in a colonial garment, practiced against the Algerian people who came out in peaceful demonstrations demanding legitimate rights, in line with the universal principles established by the United Nations Organization and the wave of liberation of peoples. These massacres began with the assassination of a young man, Bouzid Saal, for merely raising the Algerian flag, followed by a systematic and widespread repression, under orders from the highest French authorities, including the bombing of entire villages, mass executions, and the physical liquidation of unarmed civilians, making the French state fully responsible for these heinous crime, the signatories of the list noted. These practices were not isolated or exceptional, but rather fall within the policy of collective punishment adopted by the French occupation since its invasion of Algeria in 1830, towards a people it considered inferior and referred to as 'natives,' in a clear enshrinement of a discriminatory, racist and arrogant system. The deputies explained that the brutal repression continued for days on end, culminating in the region of Guelma, where French Deputy Governor Andre Achiar supervised the formation of local militias that carried out field liquidation operations that killed thousands of Algerians, while the evidence was covered up and the work of the investigation committee assigned to General Tubert was obstructed. The document stressed that serious academic and historical works agree that the number of victims amounted to tens of thousands of martyrs, which makes it the duty of the French Republic to officially recognize that what happened is a state crime committed against civilians, and completely contradicts the values it claims to defend. The deputies cited the testimony of French General Duval, who said after the massacres: 'I have given you ten years of peace, but everything must change in Algeria,' in a clear acknowledgment of the deep impact these heinous atrocities had on the relationship between France and the Algerian people. They also recalled that the first official recognition by the French authorities did not occur until 2005, when the French ambassador to Algeria at the time, Hubert Collin de Verdier, described what happened as an 'unforgivable tragedy.' They considered that the time has come for a full political recognition issued by the French Parliament, in order to turn the page of denial and start writing a common history on the basis of truth and justice. The proposal called for the full opening of documents and archives related to these tragic events, the establishment of an official national day to commemorate the horrific massacres of May 8, 1945, and their inclusion in French educational programs, in addition to supporting the process of historical reconciliation and mutual recognition between France and Algeria. The deputies concluded by calling on the French government to strengthen joint work with Algeria in the field of memory and history, including the May 8 massacres, which constituted a pivotal moment in the Algerian national struggle against the brutal yoke of colonization.
El Chorouk
04-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
French Far-Right Incites The European Union Against Algeria
The French National Assembly (the lower house of parliament) witnessed a hysterical campaign led by deputies from the right and far-right against Algeria, exploiting the case of the writer Boualem Sansal in an attempt to impose political and judicial guardianship over a sovereign state, through a series of shocking amendments to a draft resolution that was supposed to be symbolic, but turned into a crude political pressure card. This torrent of delirium, hatred, and blatant interference in Algeria's internal affairs came after amendments submitted on Thursday, May 2, 2025, which 'Echorouk' reviewed, to a text by the Foreign Affairs Committee that had been adopted by the European Affairs Committee regarding the proposal submitted by Deputy Constance Le Grip and other members, concerning a European resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Boualem Sansal. In this context, deputies from the 'Les Républicains' and 'Rassemblement National' parties proposed amendments to the draft text, including a clause calling on the French government to suspend the granting of visas to Algerian citizens unless Sansal is released, which reflects a collective racist punitive approach targeting Algerians, especially families. The text of the amendment stated, 'We call on the French government to significantly reduce, or even suspend, the issuance of visas to Algerians, as long as Boualem Sansal has not been released.' The proponents of the amendments also did not hesitate to demand that the French government suspend 'alleged aid.' The accompanying arguments for the amendments included shocking condescending language, as the deputies accused the Algerian authorities of 'deliberately humiliating Sansal' and 'exercising unjustified political pressure on France,' considering Paris's stance on the issue 'weak and complicit,' and demanding a firm stance that includes 'using diplomatic and financial pressure tools.' It was also proposed to change the content of the paragraph on bilateral relations, by deleting the partnership formula and replacing it with a conditionality formula for the continuation of financial and executive cooperation based on 'Algeria fulfilling its commitments' in files such as the repatriation of Algerians deported from France, and the 'immediate release of Sansal.' In a new escalation that reflects a renewed colonial mentality, the proponents of the amendments from the right and far-right proposed a blatant amendment to the draft resolution, demanding that any future financial partnership between Algeria and the European Union be linked to respecting purely French conditions, foremost among them the file of repatriating Algerian migrants who have been issued deportation orders from French territory, and what they call the 'immediate release' of the writer Boualem Sansal. The proposed amendment noted that the European Union granted Algeria approximately 213 million euros between 2021 and 2024 within the framework of what is known as the 'Multiannual Financial Framework,' and this figure was later exploited as a political blackmail tool by French deputies attempting to impose impossible conditions on Algeria, as if European support is a favor conditioned on political loyalty or diplomatic submission. This far-right discourse not only reflects the hypocrisy of the French right-wing elites but also shows frantic attempts to turn European funding into a new colonial stick to be raised in the face of independent states, foremost among them Algeria, which has refused, and continues to refuse, to be under Paris's guardianship, no matter how it changes its pressure tools or disguises itself in the cloak of Europe.
El Chorouk
02-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
French Government's Silence on Attacks Targeting Algerians
MP Saad Laanani, representing Algerians residing in the 2nd zone of France, criticised the silence of the French authorities regarding the racist and Islamophobic attack against two women of Algerian origin in France. This attack followed the brutal murder of Aboubakar Cissé in a French mosque. This serious criminal attack, given the racist insults that accompanied it, was not addressed by either the French media or official bodies, who are supposed to be at the forefront of affirming their fight against such acts. Placing the entire government of François Bayrou in the dock, questioning its commitment to defending all French citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. MP Saad Laanani condemned the silence of French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gérald Moussa Darmanin in a statement obtained by Echorouk, he said, 'Neither Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau nor Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have commented on this racist attack. They do not understand the gravity of the increasingly alarming situation for our community in France. How can they be the first to promote legislative measures targeting our community? They are the same ministers who constantly fuel the blatant xenophobia that has swept across France.' The attackers uttered racist, anti-Islamic and anti-Muslim rhetoric, such as 'Go back home, it's up to you to leave, you dirty Arabs!' The two victims were given between five and eight days of sick leave due to the brutal attack, according to the MP, who spoke of 'a long series of hostile acts against our community in France.' The French Interior Minister often makes reckless accusations against members of the Algerian community and Muslims in general, in incidents whose perpetrators have not been confirmed. However, he held his tongue over this crime, as it is considered one of the repercussions and consequences of the racist, anti-Muslim rhetoric he and those who share his hostility toward immigrants and Muslims in particular promote daily through right-wing media. According to the MP, the French authorities' handling of the racist crime against the two Algerian nationals is an extension of the reprehensible practices of the Interior Ministry, Bruno Retailleau, such as awarding the medal of internal security to five police officers, who are still under investigation in the 2023 death of the young Algerian father, Mohamed Bendriss, and the blinding of his cousin. The former Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, had previously ordered the suspension of the officer accused of premeditated murder in the killing of Nahel Marzouk, allowing him to continue receiving his salary despite his pretrial detention. When the Nanterre Public Prosecutor's Office recently requested that the police officer who shot Nahel be tried for murder, the then-Minister of Justice (Gérald Darmanin) expressed his support for the officers involved, prompting the MP Saad Laanani to state that 'their implicit support for racial stigma and murder is a national disgrace.' According to Laanani, combating hatred is not the responsibility of the community itself but rather of society as a whole. However, French society today, except for some factions, is reluctant to promote equality and respect. He called for 'breaking the vicious cycle of hatred against Algerians, especially since those who are supposed to be protecting the community (Retailleau and Darmanin) are the ones fueling the hostility.' Before this incident, Bruno Retailleau had been the subject of sharp criticism from a wide range of political factions in France for his handling of the murder of the young man, Aboubakar Cissé, in a French mosque. He did not arrive at the crime scene until two days after it occurred. And before that, he had refused an invitation to break the fast extended to him by the dean of the Paris Mosque, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, claiming that the occasion was unofficial, although he had previously accepted invitations to visit churches and Jewish places of worship, a matter considered to be an embodiment of his anti-Islam stance.
