The Algerian government will reduce the public expenditure by about 9% in 2016 due to the drop in oil prices on the international market, without hindering housing and recruitment programs, announced Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal.

The head of government also let know that his cabinet will soon present a budget baking on a 4.6% growth in 2016.

“In 2016, the government will present a budget planning for a growth of 4.6% (an increase of one point against compared to 2015) and which global expenditure will decrease by about 9%, however without hindering the realisation of the housing and recruitment programs in the education and health sectors which will see the addition of 10,000 new posts” he announced.

“We have to better spend our monies but without stopping the economic engine which supports employment and spending power” he added.

Hydrocarbons represent 95% of external revenues in Algeria, and contribute toward 60% of the state budget.