Algeria's President Tebboune intervened in discussions concerning educational reforms during a cabinet meeting held on September 6th. The intervention comes amid ongoing debate about proposed changes to the national education system, a subject that has drawn public and political commentary. This presidential involvement signals the high-level attention given to the direction of education policy within the country.
Hanoun's Stance on Reforms
Louiza Hanoun, leader of the Parti des Travailleurs (حزب العمال), characterized the cancellation of reforms in the national education sector as a partial application of the President's decisions. According to Hanoun, the reforms were halted only for secondary and middle school levels, with primary education excluded from the decision. Hanoun also sought clarifications regarding the hours allocated to French language instruction in the first cycle, expressing concern for teachers facing its reduced teaching. Approximately a month and a half earlier, Hanoun had called on President Tebboune to postpone educational reform, arguing for the necessity of a "broad national debate" that would include experts.
Contrasting Views and Past Actions
Louiza Hanoun's past positions on educational reform have also drawn scrutiny. During the tenure of former minister Nouria Benghebrit, Hanoun reportedly supported reforms that included removing "Bismillah" from textbooks and promoting colloquial Arabic. Ahmed Tessa, a proponent of maintaining French in education, criticized those advocating for its removal, stating, "What concerns them is the complete exclusion of the French language from the entire school system, not just from the primary level. And here are some Wahhabi-oriented politicians talking about removing this language from middle school education." Tessa further asserted that language issues in Algeria would not arise if ideological maneuvers with political aims by representatives of the international Wahhabi current were decisively halted. Separately, President Tebboune's program outlines a gradual shift towards English, based on a scientific vision for general and university education. Hanoun had also previously accused Minister Mohamed El-Ghazi Saadaoui of supporting candidates and directing unions during the legislative elections of July 2, 2026.
Analysis of Political Motivations
Minister of Education Mohamed El-Ghazi Saadaoui implemented the directives issued by the President, which included the cancellation of modifications for secondary and technological education, as well as for middle school, specifically for the 2026-2027 academic season. This action directly addressed the contentious aspects of the proposed educational reforms. The decision indicates a responsive approach to the ongoing public and political discourse surrounding changes to the national education system. The focus on specific educational levels and the upcoming academic year suggests a targeted intervention designed to manage the reform process. The implementation of these directives by the Education Minister aligns with the broader governmental strategy regarding educational policy adjustments. This move also reflects the administration's engagement with the criticisms and concerns raised by various political figures and stakeholders regarding the scope and nature of the reforms.
Broader Implications for Education
President Tebboune ordered the educational institution to be kept away from all ideological currents and political conflicts. This directive aims to ensure that discussions within the education sector remain purely pedagogical, according to the President's instructions. The move shows an effort to depoliticize educational reform debates, focusing instead on academic considerations.