Penal Code, coverage of fire-related damages, and digitalization on the agenda.

Algiers – Prime Minister Sifi Gharib chaired a government meeting today, Wednesday, dedicated to examining the Penal Code, addressing the damage caused by recent fires in certain provinces, and reviewing the unified digital system for regulating and supplying the national market. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the text reads as follows:

"Prime Minister Sifi Gharib chaired a government meeting this Wednesday, September 9, 2026, dedicated to examining several files regarding the amendment of the Penal Code, addressing the damage resulting from the recent fires that affected some of the country's provinces, and reviewing the unified digital system for regulating and supplying the national market."

The government opened its session by examining a preliminary draft law amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 66-156 of June 8, 1966, establishing the Penal Code. The provisions of this draft were formulated in light of the high-level directives issued by the President of the Republic during the last Council of Ministers meeting, specifically regarding the imposition of the death penalty—and its actual execution—on those who deliberately start or instigate fires, as well as on those who kidnap and abuse children.

In the same context, the government heard presentations on the progress of compensation efforts for those affected by the recent fires—implementation of which began this week in accordance with the President of the Republic's directives issued during the aforementioned Council of Ministers meeting—as well as the progress of rehabilitating various facilities, equipment, and networks damaged by the fires. Full restoration of vital networks—including electricity, gas, water, landline and mobile telephony, and internet services—was reported, alongside the reopening of all roads that had been damaged or closed due to the fires Efforts to rehabilitate various other damaged public facilities—particularly primary schools—are nearing completion and are expected to be finished before the weekend. This progress has been achieved by mobilizing all necessary human and material resources in coordination with the governors, local authorities, and relevant agencies and institutions.
It has also been decided to establish appeal committees, effective today, at the municipal and district levels within the affected provinces. These committees will adjudicate any potential appeals regarding the assessment of compensation for affected citizens. The government remains fully committed to ensuring that all those affected receive compensation by September 15, 2026.

As part of the National Digital Transformation Strategy (2025–2030), the government also received a presentation on the unified digital system for regulating and supplying the national market. This system will enable real-time monitoring of price levels and the availability of various commodities, thereby facilitating immediate intervention to regulate the national market and address any potential imbalances.