ORAN, Feb 24, 2026 – The Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, delivered a message on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the creation of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) and the 55th anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons. The message was read by the Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb, who chaired the celebration ceremony in Oran on Tuesday. Below is the translation:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
Peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Messengers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On February 24, we pause each year to commemorate the double anniversary of the creation of the General Union of Algerian Workers (1956) and the nationalization of hydrocarbons (1971).
On this occasion, we celebrate one of the memorable days of the glorious Liberation Revolution, when Algerian workers declared their commitment to the armed struggle, expressing at that time the momentum of an entire people embracing their great Revolution. Among them were the companions of the emblematic martyr Aissat Idir, the generation of workers and trade unionists who founded one of the bastions and schools of national commitment, whose example has been passed down from generation to generation in the defense of Algeria, as demonstrated by the positions taken by the trade union organization during the most critical moments.
The sacrifice paid by the UGTA, through its executives and leaders who fell as martyrs of national duty, foremost among them the martyr Abdelhak Benhamouda, stands as the most eloquent expression of patriotism, illustrating the sincerest forms of sacrifice and loyalty to the founding pioneers and to the principles and values of the November Message.
On this occasion, we also recall a historic and decisive sovereign decision. Algerians will always remember with pride the challenge taken up by engineers, technicians, and workers, with the means available to them, to ensure the continuity of production in the energy sector after the announcement on February 24, 1971, of the recovery of our sovereignty over our national wealth.
They set an example for subsequent generations of skilled professionals, executives, and workers in the energy sector. They continue to brilliantly assume control over the various links in the oil and gas value chain, from research and exploration to production, transport, and marketing. Thanks to their efforts, we have been able to double commercial energy production.
Today, we are the seventh largest gas exporter in the world and the third supplier to the European market. We also hold the third-largest oil reserves in Africa.
I am convinced that the prospects are promising, thanks to our workers, their qualifications, competence, and experience, to implement the strategy of renewing our oil and gas reserves and developing downstream industry projects.
While commending their efforts and mobilization, in the same spirit demonstrated by their predecessors, at this stage where we strive to establish the value of effort and work as the driving force of sustainable development and to encourage competencies, particularly among our youth, to pursue technical excellence and technological mastery, I wish to express my deep appreciation to all the women and men devoted to the realization of major projects.
The achievements brought into service in recent years, those nearing completion, and those included in upcoming programs are proof of their confidence in Algeria’s chosen path. All this represents the implementation of economic and social policies whose results are increasingly visible across the country.
It is also a source of satisfaction to witness, throughout our beloved homeland and among the dignified Algerian people, the enthusiasm shown at the inauguration of the Western mining railway line, alongside other structuring projects at both local and national levels. This affirms that current national policies are based on efficiency, realism, and the soundness of a sovereign political decision.
This orientation reflects the doctrine of a new and victorious Algeria, closely linked to the November reference and the legacy of the glorious Liberation Revolution, pragmatic in building bridges of cooperation and partnership with all continents, based on mutual interests and benefits.
I renew my greetings to all workers on the anniversary of the creation of the UGTA, and to all leaders, executives, and workers in the hydrocarbons sector, who follow the path traced by their predecessors after the nationalization decision and draw from that historic challenge the strength and determination to develop the sector and enhance its capacities.”
