The Algerian presidency announced on Sunday the formation of a new government under the leadership of Sifi Ghrieb, who was formally appointed prime minister after serving in an interim capacity since late August.

Ghrieb was first tapped as interim premier following the sudden dismissal of his predecessor, Nadir Larbaoui, on August 28 by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who offered no public explanation for the shakeup. In a statement released by the presidency, Tebboune confirmed that Ghrieb would now permanently assume the premiership and had successfully formed a government after consultations.

“The president of the republic honored me today by naming me prime minister and entrusting me with the formation of a new government,” Ghrieb said in a short video message. He pledged to prioritize “serving the Algerian people and advancing the national economy,” stressing that his administration would focus on development, job creation, and reforms.

Ghrieb, who holds a doctorate in materials science, previously served as chairman of the board for Algerian Qatari Steel. His technocratic profile is being interpreted as a signal that Tebboune wants to focus on reviving Algeria’s struggling economy, which faces high unemployment, inflation, and public discontent.

According to the presidency, the key portfolios of foreign affairs and justice will remain unchanged, with Ahmed Attaf and Lotfi Boudjemaa continuing in their respective roles. President Tebboune will retain the defense ministry. Transport minister Said Sayoud will keep his position and will also assume the powerful interior ministry. Former interior minister Brahim Merad has been appointed state minister in charge of state services and local authorities.

The energy sector has been restructured, with hydrocarbons remaining under Mohamed Arkab while a new renewable energy portfolio has been created under Mourad Adjal. In a notable appointment, Professor of cardiology Mohamed Esseddik Ait Messaoudene has been named minister of health.

But the reshuffle has not been met with universal approval. Opposition parties and civil society groups immediately voiced skepticism, accusing the president of reshuffling faces without enacting meaningful political reforms.

Despite the criticism, government supporters argue that the appointments reflect a desire for stability and economic modernization. The creation of a separate ministry for renewables has been welcomed by energy experts as a sign that Algeria is taking climate and diversification goals seriously, especially amid global energy market volatility.

Ghrieb’s new cabinet faces an immediate test of credibility as Algeria prepares for the 2026 presidential elections, with many citizens demanding solutions to rising living costs, youth unemployment, and chronic housing shortages. Whether this new government can deliver tangible improvements may determine Tebboune’s political future. (ILKHA)