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RND Meeting in Constantine: Bouden Distances Himself from Predecessors' 'Errors'
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Algeria /Elections & Politics

RND Meeting in Constantine: Bouden Distances Himself from Predecessors' 'Errors'

From El Watan · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The National Rally for Democracy (RND) held a political meeting in Constantine, aiming to regain political standing after recent credibility issues.
  • Party Secretary-General Monder Bouden acknowledged past "errors" by some party officials without direct self-criticism, framing them as individual faults distinct from the militants' contributions.
  • Bouden invoked the party's founding principles and historical figures to assert its continued relevance and support for President Tebboune's program, particularly concerning national sovereignty and social policies.

The National Rally for Democracy (RND) convened a political meeting in Constantine, seeking to revitalize its image and political influence following a period of significant turbulence that has eroded its credibility. While the 600-seat hall saw a respectable turnout given the current political climate, it fell short of the vibrant gatherings that once characterized the RND's active membership.

Monder Bouden, the party's Secretary-General, addressed the attendees, adopting a tone of distanced contrition. He acknowledged that some past officials may have made mistakes during their government service, but he was careful not to engage in direct self-criticism. Instead, Bouden framed these as individual errors, asserting that the commitment and sacrifices of the party's militants far surpassed such isolated failings. This rhetorical strategy aims to distance the party from past missteps while preserving its historical legacy.

Certainly, we do not deny that some officials may have made mistakes in the exercise of their governmental functions. However, the commitment and sacrifices of the militants cannot be reduced to individual faults. Their contribution far exceeds these considerations.

โ€” Monder BoudenAcknowledging past errors within the RND while emphasizing the dedication of its members.

Bouden traced the RND's origins back to its founding in 1997, emphasizing its initial mission to safeguard the Republic from extremist ideologies and prevent a return to security crises. He drew parallels between historical leader Houari Boumediรจne and current President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, uniting them under the banner of unwavering national sovereignty and identity pride. This historical continuity narrative serves to legitimize the party's ongoing role and bolster support for Tebboune's administration.

Looking ahead, the RND intends to position itself within the parliamentary majority, aligning with President Tebboune's agenda. Bouden reiterated the party's commitment to improving citizens' purchasing power and supporting public social policies. He also extended an appeal to Algerian intellectuals and academics, urging them not to withdraw from public discourse and to contribute their expertise.

Our party works to strengthen citizens' purchasing power and fully supports the social policies initiated by the public authorities.

โ€” Monder BoudenStating the RND's commitment to economic and social welfare.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Watan in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.