The Algerian president validated the launch of a high authority responsible for investigating corruption among state officials. An ambitious but essential project.
"How did you get your possessions?" This is essentially the question that will be put to Algerian officials in the weeks to come. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has indeed just called for "the creation of a new body to investigate the enrichment of public officials, without exception, through rigorous legal procedures for the fight against corruption and the identification of origin of their property, ”said a press release from the Presidency.
The idea is simple: compare the incomes of civil servants with their assets. Investigations will be launched on the property of civil servants. The latter will then have to justify their patrimony if it comes from a family inheritance, for example.
A measure that is part of the Algerian legislative system for the moralization of public life and the fight against corruption, initiated by the government following the constitutional reform of November 1, 2020. Among the measures planned by the government, the creation of a High authority for transparency, prevention and the fight against corruption. Its objective: to investigate the suspect enrichment of state officials.
Billions of dollars that fly away every year
If, since January 2, the High Authority is on track, it still remains to determine the precise mission. But there is no doubt that, in addition to simple officials, this body will be in charge of investigating state officials who have failed. The first civil servants targeted will be those leading a lifestyle that does not correspond to their income. Some indeed have luxury real estate with salaries not exceeding 200 Algerian dinars.
While there are many criticisms of this measure, some fearing a simple announcement effect, the approach is commendable. With the Hirak, which demands, among other things, the end of privileges, power sends a strong signal: the hunt for corruption will restore a minimum of confidence on the part of citizens.
Magistrates, soldiers or bosses of public companies will no longer sleep peacefully. Because, according to Algerian officials, the fight against corruption should not spare anyone, at the bottom or at the top of the state. It remains to be seen what means will be available to the High Authority. Beyond the financial aspect, it will be necessary that the work of the latter is not hindered by any party. The Algerian tax authorities, the banks or even the administrations will have to collaborate.
Corruption in Algeria is difficult to quantify today. According to the daily Echorouk, the Public Treasury had seen slip through its fingers, from December 2019 to September 2020, more than 70 billion dollars. An estimate made possible thanks to what the various trials had learned. The sum could therefore be much larger in reality.