Algeria's president appoints new prime minister
In a surprising turn of events, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has removed Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui from office on Thursday. Sifi Ghrieb, a seasoned politician and engineer, has been appointed as the interim Prime Minister, also continuing in his role as Industry Minister.
Nadir Larbaoui, who had been in office since November 2023, had a diplomatic career prior to his appointment as Prime Minister. He represented Algeria as ambassador to several countries and to the United Nations. However, he was conspicuously absent from a recent meeting discussing a tragic bus accident that claimed the lives of 18 people in Algeria.
Sifi Ghrieb, born in 1971 in Tébessa, Algeria, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds advanced degrees in industrial engineering, economics, and a PhD in physical chemistry of materials from Badji Mokhtar University in Annaba. Before his interim appointment as Prime Minister on August 28, 2025, he was Minister of Industry since November 2024 and had led several industrial complexes and national companies. He also served as director-general of an industrial university under the Ministry of Industry and was president of the board of Algerian Qatari Steel.
The presidency statement did not provide a reason for the removal of Nadir Larbaoui. The new Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb, has yet to make any official statements regarding his new role or plans for the government. The presidency has not announced any successor for Sifi Ghrieb's position as Industry Minister.
The bus accident that resulted in 18 deaths in Algeria occurred recently, and Nadir Larbaoui was absent from the meeting discussing it. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for improved road safety measures in the country.
As the interim Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb faces the challenge of addressing this issue and other pressing matters, while ensuring the stability and continuity of the government. His extensive background in industry and education, as well as his leadership experience, make him well-equipped to tackle these challenges.
In the meantime, the Algerian people await further details and reassurances from the new leadership regarding their plans for the future.
