"Hundreds of Algerians protest against proposed energy law", 13 October 2019

Hundreds of Algerians protested in front of parliament on Sunday against proposed changes to the energy law that they say the caretaker government has no right to pass.

The law is aimed at attracting foreign investors to help Algeria strengthen its energy output and improve revenues using their superior technology, but would maintain a 49% limit on foreign ownership if passed into law by parliament. The national company, Sonatrach, has met several major international oil companies in recent months, including Exxon Mobil and Chevron.

Protesters said the law was drawn up by the caretaker government to secure the support of Western countries in a standoff over mass protests that have rocked Algeria for months.