Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc backs consumer group APOCE in the debate over dealings with the Commerce Ministry

Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc Foundation has taken note of the statement issued by the Algerian Organisation for Consumer Protection and Guidance (APOCE) regarding the controversy over how the Ministry of Commerce deals with national associations, and wishes to express its full support for the organisation’s position and its appreciation of the calm and responsible tone it adopted.

Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc affirms that institutional work is built first on serious files, effective presence and practical proposals, not on boycott campaigns or media escalation that serve neither the consumer nor the true spirit of associative work.

We consider the Ministry’s reception of APOCE to have been normal and justified, given that it held an urgent file on consumer safety, which lies at the heart of its core mission. In official work, the criteria are always based on the quality of outcomes rather than the timing of visits, on the value of files rather than noise.

We also believe that boycotting a ministerial meeting devoted to preparing market supply and regulation for Ramadan — a sensitive period known for its challenges — is an ill-advised step that deprives citizens of solutions that should have been put forward inside the room, not outside it.

The Foundation commends APOCE’s call to unify the associative voice and raise the level of debate, instead of engaging in side quarrels that only confuse the scene and weaken the ranks of the national associative movement.

APOCE’s commitment to attend the next meeting and represent consumers through its president, Dr Mustapha Zebdi, reflects the spirit of responsibility and selflessness we need today, and a clear grasp of the priorities of this stage and of citizens’ interests.

On behalf of Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc Foundation, we affirm that serious fieldwork, strong files and calm institutional partnership are the only way to serve citizens and strengthen trust in civil society.

Anything else is just passing noise that leaves no impact and offers no solutions.