President Tebboune's message on anniversary of UGTA's creation, hydrocarbons nationalisation.( APS,24/02/2025)

HASSI MESSAOUD (OUARGLA) — The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, delivered a message on Monday marking the double anniversary of the creation of the General Union of Algerian Workers (69), and the anniversary (54) of the nationalization of hydrocarbons.

Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui read the message on President Tebboune's behalf in Hassi Messaoud, Ouargla province. The full text, translated by APS, is as follows:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

Prayer and peace be upon His Messenger,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today's celebration of the 69th anniversary of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) and the 54th anniversary of hydrocarbon nationalization, along with other timeless national anniversaries, speaks to our beloved homeland's attachment to its glorious history and the lessons we draw from its historic milestones, honoring the memory of the men who shaped the momentous events in Algeria's victorious journey.

On this cherished anniversary, I offer a warm tribute of appreciation to all workers in every field, recalling with them the sacrifices of the pioneering generation who led the movement to mobilize and enlist workers in the blessed liberation revolution. I also pay solemn tribute to the memory of the symbolic martyr Aissat Idir, the exceptional union activist and martyr of national duty Abdelhak Benhammouda and all their fellow trade unionist martyrs.

Before your distinguished gathering today, I wish to extend special recognition to the women and men workers in the hydrocarbon sector, expressing my appreciation for their ongoing efforts in ensuring our energy security. I stand with them in reflecting on the exceptional patriotism displayed by their predecessors—engineers, technicians and specialists—who rose to the challenge, out of devotion to Algeria, following the restoration of our national sovereignty. They proved wrong the predictions that the production and marketing of our energy resources would cease.

The decision to nationalize hydrocarbons was a bold and decisive step to cement our economic independence and assert sovereignty over our country's wealth and natural resources.

This historic national decision made by the country's high authorities under the leadership of the late President Houari Boumediene on this same day in 1971 was in keeping with the spirit of emancipation and embodied full national independence. This decision mirrored sincere commitment, nationalism and loyalty to the November message and the valiant martyrs.

This November spirit, then embodied by the country's leaders at that time, will continue to remind future generations of the great deeds of this loyal national leader who was concerned with the State's social character, Algeria's wealth and its sovereignty over its resources.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Given the present challenges—while taking pride in the successive achievements throughout past decades in the hydrocarbon sector and applauding the competence and expertise of our executives managing our oil facilities and all professionals and workers in this vital industry—I would like to reaffirm our resolve during this period to develop and implement national policies that aim to bring about a shift and transition from hydrocarbon dependency to export diversification.

This strategic approach protects future generations' rights to our natural resources and generates opportunities for profitable investments in promoting manufacturing, contracting and establishing institutions.

It further aligns with modern economic principles that recognize human capital as the driving force behind initiative and wealth creation.

We have made significant strides toward these objectives by attracting thousands of young people and domestic and foreign investors. We have reached unprecedented levels of non-hydrocarbon exports (as I have outlined with specific figures previously).

We remain steadfast in this vision that will enable Algeria to confidently join the ranks of countries destined to secure their rightful standing among emerging nations.

Finally, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and to all workers, both women and men, in all sectors. I assure you that the State will spare no effort to bolster the social gains that workers have benefited from, improve their living and professional conditions, underscoring the principle of a social welfare state enshrined in the Declaration of 1 November 1954.

Long live Algeria!

Glory and eternity to our valiant Martyrs,

May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon you all.”