Algeria: New citizens' initiative launched

On 13th April, a group of some 30 heads of enterprise and international experts based in Algeria launched Nabni (We build), a citizens' initiative aimed at generating ideas to improve the social and economic outlook of Algeria in a non-political and democratic manner. According to the spokesman for Nabni, Abdelkrim Boudra, “Nabni is an apolitical, non-partisan citizens' initiative, started by young Algerians who want to suggest concrete economic and social solutions to improve the daily lives of Algerians.”

The organisers have launched an internet site, www.nabni2012.org, and are encouraging ordinary Algerians to make concrete and simple proposals, which will then be voted upon. The 10 most popular measures will be put to the Algerian authorities every Wednesday.

Nabni has already made some basic suggestions to start off its campaign. These include asking the government to reduce by 20 per cent the documents required for the 20 most common administrative procedures for Algerians; the creation of a free phone information line and website to report administrative abuses; launching a pilot scheme to direct financial aid in rural areas to those who need it most; and measures aimed at simplifying the procedure for starting up new businesses.

For more news and expert analysis about Algeria, please see Algeria Focus and Algeria Politics & Security.

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