Algerian government coalition expanding to appease opposition

While the objections of the opposition members of the Algerian National People's Council mount, expectations of a government reshuffle get stronger in order to avoid a new political crisis.

The opposition members threatened not to attend the upcoming sessions of the parliament. The leaders of the National Liberation party and the Peaceful Society Movement had objected to the government's policies in dealing with the two questionnaires regarding the violations committed during the provincial election.

Party sources clarified that Algerian President Liamine Zeroual held talks with different sides before the two questionnaires were discussed, as he tried to investigate those violations which contradict with the parliamentary immunity enjoyed by the leaders of parties.

Sources expected the Algerian president to issue a decree to change the current government coalition into a coalition which includes representatives from the different political parties. Sources expected that new portfolios will be given to the parties of Hamas (Peaceful Society Movement), Renaissance, and the Socialist Powers Front in order to form a coalition that includes most of the main political parties.

The sources also expected that the government reshuffle will occur by the end of the current year which will be concurrent with the beginning of the sessions of the National Council.