In his first speech, the new head of state appeared to extend a hand to all Algerians even as his election has not silenced dissent.

"I am ready to cooperate with all parties to respond to the demands of our people." This is what Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared at the beginning of his speech at the Palace of the Nation.

Present in the chamber were generals, members of government, the four disappointed candidates, as well as diplomats stationed in the country.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune extensively thanked the interim head of state, Abdelkader Bensalah, and the chief of staff, Ahmed Gaïd Salah, whom he decorated with the order of national merit at the rank of Sadr.

His speech was intended to be unifying. "It is our duty to turn the page on disagreements," he declared, before announcing the main lines of what his program would be.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune wanted to say something for everyone. He addressed social, economic, diplomatic, energy, and health issues. He recalled that he would launch, in the coming weeks or months, a revision of the Constitution. And he affirmed that he would remain in office for only a single term, or five years.