Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune faced today a wave of public discontent during his official visit to Portugal, and was subjected to booing and the pelting of eggs at his car. The trip, intended to bolster Algeria’s position on the Sahara issue, instead turned into a humiliating experience for the unpopular leader.
Protesters, comprising Algerians residing in Portugal, expressed their anger and denounced the presidency, which they believe was imposed by the military.
Eggs were hurled at the main car of the presidential motorcade as Tebboune exited the Lisbon town hall, symbolizing the growing divide between the Algerian people and their leader, according to videos shared on Twitter.
The demonstrators on the scene chanted slogans in support of the Hirak movement, which advocates for a civilian regime and opposes the military rule prevailing in Algeria.
They also demanded the release of prisoners of conscience. Tebboune, who sought to improve his image internationally through this visit, suffered yet another blow to his reputation.
Having failed to secure visits to France or Russia, Tebboune resorted to the trip to Portugal, which he hoped would serve as a platform to divert attention from the setbacks of his previously postponed trips.
Algerian journalist Abdou Semmar provided an analysis of the motivations behind this unexpected visit, stating that Tebboune went to Portugal simply because he needed to go somewhere in May.
Tebboune’s inability to visit France was due to the diplomatic crisis between the two countries, sparked by a European Parliament resolution condemning the human rights situation and press freedom in Algeria. Paris refused to comply with the Algerian state’s demands regarding the visit’s program, refusing to become a tool for Tebboune’s political marketing.
Relations with Russia have also cooled, as Algeria has been delaying the signing of a new strategic partnership agreement, arms purchases, and the use of Russian currency in economic exchanges. The Algerian regime’s double game of shifting alliances between Western powers and Russia has been recognized by Moscow.
With his surprise trip to Portugal, Tebboune aimed to disrupt Morocco’s relations with European countries, including Portugal, and secure a favorable stance for Algeria and the Polisario Front in the Sahara dispute. However, the visit was shrouded in secrecy and was only announced when the president was already on board the plane, indicating a last-minute arrangement.
Algerian media speculated about the motives behind Tebboune’s visit, emphasizing the intention to isolate Morocco from its regional partners and undermine support for the Moroccan plan on the Sahara issue. However, the president returned empty-handed as Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa advocated for a political solution under the United Nations’ mediation and agreement between the involved parties. This position made it clear that Portugal did not align itself with the Polisario and disregarded Algeria’s claim of a “right to self-determination.”
The timing of Tebboune’s visit was ill-fated, as Portugal had recently reiterated its support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative proposed in 2007.
Portugal sees the initiative as a realistic, serious, and credible proposal for achieving a mutually agreed solution under the United Nations framework.
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