The Algerian Consumer Federation has announced its leadership in an Arab and Islamic movement to boycott products that support Israel, aiming to economically pressure countries that directly or indirectly contribute to ongoing aggression in Gaza, impacting women, children, and the vulnerable.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Zaki Hariz, the president of the Algerian Consumer Federation, confirmed communications with consumer protection bodies across Arab and Islamic nations to influence the economies of countries backing Israel, emphasizing the impact that will become evident with continued aggression.
In a related context, Hariz outlined several suggestions to improve the Algerian consumer’s situation, including reducing the value-added tax (VAT) from 19% to 13%, appreciating the Algerian dinar by 30% against foreign currencies, abolishing income tax for salaries under DZD 50,000, and raising the minimum wage from DZD 20,000 to DZD 30,000, particularly for those earning less than DZD 80,000.
Hariz believes that confronting the cost of living challenge necessitates shifting from harmful consumption habits to smart consumption. He observes that Algerian families are excessively focused on appearances and prestige, often indulging in lavish weddings and celebrations rather than prioritizing necessary needs.
He proposed a minimum 10% reduction in income tax and a revision of the labor law to modify working hours from 7 AM to 2 PM, allowing dual employment to improve workers’ purchasing power and stimulate consumption, which he sees as an indicator of economic recovery and investment prosperity.
The Federation president emphasized the need to facilitate foreign trade procedures by creating an electronic pathway between administrations and institutions involved in import and export, which would reduce long-term storage of goods at ports and airports, saving the importer—and ultimately the consumer—estimated additional expenses of 10% to 20% of the goods’ value.
The call for opening up competition to improve the investment climate, removing obstacles and restrictions, establishing business banks, including public Islamic banks, and assuring depositors’ rights at nominal rates is aimed at absorbing a significant portion of liquidity and energizing the national economy.
Finally, the Algerian Consumer Federation has suggested lifting criminal penalties for managerial actions through an executive decree and launching initiatives to reactivate frozen projects, thereby enabling managers to stimulate economic growth.
With SEO considerations in mind, this article integrates relevant keywords throughout the headings and body to ensure visibility for searches related to Algerian economic efforts, consumer advocacy, and the regional boycott against supporters of Israel.