Tentative reform moves could boost Sonatrach

Algeria’s new government presents a conciliatory face, which could help revitalise the energy sector and the national champion

Newly elected President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has responded to ongoing Algerian protests in support of democratic reform and an end to corruption by launching a drive to "separate money from politics". If he succeeds, the staid and corruption-tainted energy sector could be one of the beneficiaries. At least partially in an effort to appease marchers on the streets, the new president appears to be trying to bring on board some of a handful of establishment figures who last year offered public support to the Hirak grassroots opposition—even appointing one of them, Abdelaziz Djerad, as his prime minister. A committee of experts is to draw up proposals to amend the constitution so as "to implem