Prime Minister of Algeria
Quick facts for kids First Minister of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Government of Algeria | |
| Style | Mr Prime Minister (informal) His Excellency (diplomatic) |
| Reports to | President |
| Residence | Government Palace |
| Seat | Algiers, Algeria |
| Appointer | President of Algeria |
| Term length | No term limit |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Algeria |
| Inaugural holder | Ahmed Ben Bella |
| Formation | 27 September 1962 |
| Salary | د.ج 500,000/US$ 2,358 monthly |
The Prime Minister of Algeria is a very important leader in the country. They are officially called the First Minister of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Think of them as the main manager of the government, working alongside the President of Algeria. The President chooses the Prime Minister, who then helps pick other government ministers. The country's main parliament, called the People's National Assembly, needs to agree with the new government's plans. If they don't, the Prime Minister might have to step down. There isn't a set time limit for how long a Prime Minister can serve. The person who served the longest was Mohamed Ben Ahmed Abdelghani, from 1979 to 1984. Currently, Sifi Ghrieb has been the Prime Minister since September 14, 2025.
Contents
The Prime Minister of Algeria
What Does a Prime Minister Do?
The Prime Minister of Algeria is the leader of the government. They work closely with the President to manage the country. Their job includes making sure government plans are put into action. They also help choose other important people who work in the government.
How the Role of Prime Minister Changed Over Time
The way Algeria's government is set up has changed a few times since it became independent in 1962. The title for the main government leader has also changed:
- From 1962 to 1963, the leader was called the Head of Government.
- From 1979 to 1988, the title became Prime Minister.
- Then, from 1988 to 2008, it changed back to Head of Government.
- From 2008 to 2020, it was Prime Minister again.
- Since 2020, the leader can be called either Prime Minister or Head of Government, depending on how the parliament is formed.
Early Days: 1962-1976
When Algeria first became independent in 1962, a special group decided to have a 'Head of Government'. This was until the country's first official rulebook, called the Constitution, was ready. The 1963 Constitution didn't actually include a Prime Minister role. Later, in the 1976 Constitution, having a Prime Minister was optional. During President Houari Boumédiène's time, this position wasn't used.
Modern Role: 1988 Onwards
In 1988, the Constitution was updated, and the leader was called the Head of Government. Another update in 2008 brought back the title of Prime Minister, chosen by the President. The most recent change in 2020 made it even more flexible. Now, if the parliament and the President have different political ideas, the leader is called the Head of Government. But if they mostly agree, the leader is called the Prime Minister.
How is a Prime Minister Chosen?
The President of Algeria chooses the Prime Minister. It's like picking a team captain. The President first appoints the Prime Minister to a group of top government officials called the cabinet. Then, the Prime Minister suggests other people to fill important jobs in the government. The country's parliament, the People's National Assembly, must agree with the Prime Minister's main plans. If they don't, the Prime Minister might lose their job.
How Long Does a Prime Minister Serve?
There is no set time limit for how long a Prime Minister can serve in Algeria. They can stay in office as long as the President and the parliament support them. Mohamed Ben Ahmed Abdelghani served for almost five years in a row, from 1979 to 1984. Another person, Ahmed Ouyahia, holds the record for serving the longest overall. He was Prime Minister for a total of ten years across different periods, and he is the only one to have held the job more than once.
Where Does the Prime Minister Work?
The Prime Minister of Algeria works in a special building called the Government Palace in Algiers. This is where many important government decisions are made.
See also
In Spanish: Primer ministro de Argelia para niños
- Politics of Algeria
- President of Algeria
