IMF praises Algeria's economic reforms and diversification efforts
via Algérie3602 min read
The International Monetary Fund IMF has issued a positive assessment of Algeria's economic reforms following a two-week mission to Algiers from June 16 to June 30. The IMF highlighted the country's progress in economic diversification, particularly efforts to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons by developing agricultural and mining sectors. The institution also commended Algeria's removal from the Financial Action Task Force FATF grey list, citing it as a significant achievement in financial governance and a testament to the government's commitment to strengthening its regulatory framework against money laundering and terrorist financing. The IMF noted initiatives in financial modernization, including the introduction of the first sovereign Sukuk and anticipated financial support from a regional development bank. Analysts also recognized Algeria's geostrategic advantages and energy potential as key factors for its role as a major supplier in European and African markets. The IMF projects a 3.8% GDP growth for the current year, driven by strong hydrocarbon prices, which is expected to boost export revenues and reduce the external deficit, contributing to a positive economic trajectory.
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Bruno Retailleau, a candidate for the 2027 French presidential elections, has outlined new proposals aimed at restricting migratory flows into France. Key measures include a "drastic" reduction in family reunification and ending automatic aid for foreigners. Retailleau, leader of Les Républicains LR, supports abolishing birthright citizenship for French nationality, arguing that the "assimilation" expected in return for nationality for those born on French territory "no longer works." He also plans to drastically reduce family reunification and end automatic aid for foreigners, requiring five years of legal presence and work before eligibility. If elected, he promises France will join a "coalition of states" advocating for strict immigration policies, similar to Italy. Retailleau intends to challenge European rules to strictly limit the validity of territorialized visas to the issuing country. He also stated that "the future of Africa is not in Europe, but on the African continent," and that "climate change does not serve as a pretext for a change of civilization." Retailleau aims to "convince" the French public of his firm stance on immigration, dismissing competition with other political figures like Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella.