On the surface Algeria’s political reform process is advancing smoothly. Since kicking out long-time ruler Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2019, Algeria has inaugurated a new president, passed a new constitution and, most recently, chosen a new parliament.

These developments are meant to comprise the key institutional elements of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s ‘New Algeria’ (MEES, 23 October 2020). But the people aren’t buying it. (CONTINUED - 908 WORDS)