Algerian society has been unstable and plagued by conflict for decades, due to a lack of organized government, an established and prosperous economy, and social group disparities. All of these issues are partially reliant on one another and solving one could possibly assist with developing resolutions for the country as a whole. One of the most challenging tasks facing Algeria in the 21st century is implementing its democratic government after transitioning from an authoritarian state in 1989. This issue has a major effect on citizens, who are currently advocating for basic rights and allowances. The main group in resistance to the current regime and whose aims are to revolutionize the status quo in the country are youth organizations. These groups are driven by outrage of the rising cost of living, poor education, environmental pollution, and government corruption. Of the total population, there is an approximate 69.9% literacy rate, and that number drops to just 60% for women. The prices of basic goods are unjustly high for the national average income, and the availability of basic necessities is highly affected by this. According to Voice of America, 7 out of 10 people in Algeria are under the age of 25, which demonstrates exactly how large this particular demographic is and why the youth are the most vocal about the government’s role in providing a satisfactory standard of living. There are also high numbers of unemployment and very few opportunities for education and advancement, as well as high food prices and environmental pollution affecting the quality of agriculture in the region. Some of the main environmental issues affecting the population are desertification, acidification of freshwater, soil degradation and erosion, salination of freshwater, overgrazing, and ultra-violet radiation. All of these affect the food supply and overall health of citizens who are provided little to no influence on how they are to be resolved or improved.
Since the government is still politically volatile, the main focus behind youth and organization protests and revolts are for jobs, education and food. For example, in an interview with Voice of America, Mohammed Shekalel, who is a part time teacher in his late 20s who participated in a protest for benefits in 2011, says "We don't speak about politics because we don't belong to any political party. We [want] our rights concerning our jobs.” This is demonstrative of the consensus of the youth in Algeria who focus more on how government policies are affecting them rather than the government and politics itself. The country has yet to establish a solid democracy, therefore citizens do not yet have a clear voice and opt to create opportunities for their concerns to be recognized. Many are not allowed to participate in voting and election of government officials who consciously represent them as well. Since there is no true political opposition, the National Liberation Front continues to control the political system. There is an unethical and unjust authoritative regime in place which greatly hinders the establishment of a democratic system which is more conducive to the wants and needs of the people. If the people, and in particular the youth, were able to vote in large numbers and eventually overthrow the current powers, multiple issues facing Algeria would be heading towards stabilization.
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