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Boutef holds back the wave

Algiers calculates that astute state spending will counter growing political anger at unemployment, corruption and chronic housing shortages

The strikes and popular protests across Algeria point to economic and social pressures similar to those that toppled entrenched leaderships elsewhere in North Africa. However, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika looks less rattled than his neighbours. He is responding piecemeal to protest, not with offers of political liberalisation but with government spending from foreign reserves of over US$150 billion from the gas-fired economy....

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Boutef holds back the wave

Algiers calculates that astute state spending will counter growing political anger at unemployment, corruption and chronic housing shortages

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