2026-2027 school year: Bloc backs Arabic as identity and English as the language of the future

On the pedagogical arrangements for the 2026-2027 school year

Out of national responsibility and a wish to contribute to every debate that serves Algeria, its people and the future of its generations, the Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc is closely following the debate on the new pedagogical arrangements for the 2026-2027 school year.

While affirming its respect for the competent institutions and their prerogatives, the Bloc believes that reforming the Algerian school is a national and strategic matter that must not become an arena for accusations of treason or ideological wrangling, but should be discussed rationally, on the basis of science, expertise and the national interest. The Bloc therefore affirms the following:

First: the Algerian school is a national responsibility. The aim of any education reform must be to build an educated, aware generation, proud of its homeland and identity, equipped with the tools of knowledge and able to meet the challenges of the future. The debate on curricula, programmes and languages should be calm and scientific, free of accusations, insults and point-scoring.

Second: Algeria and its unity above all differences. National unity, national sovereignty, the stability of State institutions and the protection of the home front are constants that must not be subject to conflict or point-scoring. Disagreeing about a programme, subject or language does not make anyone less patriotic. We may differ in our judgements, but we unite around Algeria.

Third: Arabic is our identity, English our choice for the future. Arabic is a national and official language and a cornerstone of Algerian identity; preserving and strengthening its place in schools, universities and society is a non-negotiable national responsibility. At the same time, Algeria must approach foreign languages with an eye to the future. The Bloc believes English should be the priority foreign language in the education system, given its wide presence in scientific research, technology, modern science, academic references, the economy and international communication. As for French, we approach it objectively and without hostility towards the language or its speakers, as the legacy of a historical period; but Algeria's interest requires reordering priorities, so that French becomes an additional language according to need and specialisation, without coming at the expense of the priority English deserves. We are hostile to no language and no people; we are reordering our priorities in the interest of Algeria and its children.

Fourth: reform through science, not polemics. Developing the Algerian school must rely on scientific studies, the experience of teachers and educators, the views of specialists and researchers and the realities of schools, with continuous evaluation and correction. We call for a responsible national debate on improving the quality and outcomes of education, rather than a fight over a subject or a language.

Fifth: the pupil comes first. Algerian pupils are not parties to any ideological conflict; they are a trust and the nation's future. Their interest, the quality of education, the development of their abilities and talents and the instilling of citizenship, discipline and responsibility must be the first criterion of every educational decision.

Sixth: no to rumours, accusations of treason and hate speech. The Bloc urges people to verify information and official statements before sharing them, and warns against quoting out of context, spreading rumours and turning disagreement into smear campaigns. Constructive criticism is a right and responsible disagreement a necessity, but hate speech, incitement and division endanger social cohesion and the home front.

Seventh: our constants and national memory above point-scoring. Algeria's history, the sacrifices of its martyrs and its national, religious and social values belong to all Algerians and must not be exploited in passing quarrels. The best tribute to the martyrs is to build a strong, educated and advanced Algeria, proud of its identity and in step with science and technology.

In conclusion, the Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc supports every genuine reform that serves the Algerian school and raises the level of education, and calls for separating the education debate from ideological rivalries, relying on science, expertise and institutions, and building a school that combines identity and openness, heritage and knowledge, patriotism and global competitiveness. Algeria should choose its educational tools according to the needs of the future, not the calculations of the past.

Arabic is our identity, English our window on science and the world, and Algeria comes first.