Algeria’s "Hirak" Movement (2019): Achievments and Faillures

Abstract

The Hirak protest movement in Algeria began in February 2019, sparked by wide-spread anger and frustration over the government's handling of the country's economic and political situation. The protests were initially triggered by President Abd al-Aziz Boutef-lika's announcement that he would seek a fifth term in office despite his advanced age and declining health. The Algerian people had long been dissatisfied with the ruling elite and the govern-ment's perceived corruption, economic mismanagement, and lack of political freedom. The Hirak movement was a response to these grievances, and it quickly grew into a massive protest movement that brought together people from all walks of life, including students, professionals, workers, and retirees. The protesters called for an end to the Bouteflika regime and demanded an overhaul of the country's political system. The movement was peaceful and largely decentralized, with no clear leaders or formal organization. One of the important points of the paper is the position of the Algerian authorities, particularly the army, the structure that has real power in the country. Along with the progress and development of the opposition movement, the tactics of the authorities changed too. The Algerian political elite chose a tactic appropriate to the moment to maintain their position, influence and wishing to prevent the situation from escalating at the same time.