Algeria’s Communication Minister Zouheir Bouamama commended the media community on Monday for its ongoing role in bolstering the comprehensive national development agenda led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, while also strengthening the wellsprings of national resolve, informing public discourse, and safeguarding the nation.
Speaking at an event marking World Press Freedom Day, chaired by the president, Bouamama highlighted persistent initiatives to elevate the media landscape to standards that enable it to effectively support Tebboune’s development drive, fortify the nation’s core strengths, enlighten citizens, defend Algeria, and underpin its stability, security, and progress.
He praised Tebboune’s backing for media professionals, who “stand alongside state efforts to secure achievements and tackle challenges—especially spotlighting the country’s major accomplishments at home and abroad—while countering disinformation campaigns through words, visuals, and audio in defense of Algeria and its vital interests.”
Bouamama also emphasized the president’s commitment to the inseparable bond between press freedom—as a fundamental human right that demands constant reinforcement—and the duty to uphold professional standards and ethics, which shield journalists from excesses. He noted Tebboune’s work to bolster free expression by broadening its scope, free from undue pressure or limits except those imposed by ethics, law, national principles, security needs, and supreme national interests.
In this context, the minister reaffirmed that press freedom is not merely a journalist’s core right but a cornerstone of Algeria’s democratic framework and a key tool for solidifying institutional foundations. It serves as a vital assurance for a vibrant society rooted in its values, engaged with the world, and aligned with contemporary realities.
Addressing Tebboune directly, he stated: “Today, as we deepen the reforms you’ve launched in the communications sector, we are working under your astute guidance to implement the fresh provisions in media-regulating laws, ensuring a free yet accountable practice of journalism and thereby upholding citizens’ constitutional right to reliable, professional national news.”
Along these lines, Bouamama pointed to sector efforts to finalize the legal and regulatory framework, including drafting texts ordered by the president on journalism and related professions, establishing regulatory bodies, and launching the High Council for Journalistic Ethics and Deontology. He spotlighted continuous training programs to sharpen journalists’ skills and equip them to handle artificial intelligence technologies.
On this front, he observed that ongoing deliberations on a fresh strategy for modern, proactive government communication—tailored to digital shifts and public service demands—underscore the sector’s forward-looking vision. This rests on deepening state-media collaboration to guarantee citizens’ access to trustworthy information and prepare national outlets to lead in shaping public awareness.
On this occasion, Bouamama declared that Algeria marks World Press Freedom Day with pride, like nations worldwide, celebrating the national press’s substantial strides amid a history of triumphs and trials. Algerian journalists have chronicled the nation’s journey, joining citizens in pivotal struggles and victories.
The Communication Minister extended thanks and respect to the national media family, who “stood honorably on the front lines against terrorism and extremism targeting the state and its institutions.” He paid tribute to journalists who died as duty-bound martyrs, sacrificing their lives to keep Algeria resolute and proud, delivering a profound patriotic lesson to its foes.