Algeria names new finance and energy ministers

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has named new energy and finance ministers in a cabinet reshuffle, as the OPEC member tries to cope with a sharp fall in oil and gas earnings that have placed increasing pressure on its finances.
Nouredine Bouterfa, the head of state power firm Sonelgaz, was named as the new energy minister, replacing Salah Khebri, while junior budget minister Hadji Baba Ammi was appointed to replace Abderrahmane Benkhalfa at the finance ministry, a statement carried by state media said.
No reason was give for the changes, but the reshuffle comes as Algeria struggles to revive its economy and boost oil and gas production, with divergent views over how hard to push for foreign investment and for domestic economic reform.
Algeria has taken some measures to adapt to falling income, including raising subsidised fuel and electricity prices, cutting back on infrastructure projects and trimming budget spending.
But reform has been sluggish, held back by a debate between reformers keen to lessen dependency on oil and gas revenues, and an older guard reluctant to liberalize a state-dominated system.

Source: Arab News