In a video, which went viral on social media, an Algerian landowner was denouncing Oran’s authorities’ decision to grab his land in order to build a Peugeot-car factory. This video prompted public outrage in the country and further revelations emerged. Indeed, according to local media, there were eight landowners whose lands (a total of 120 ha) were grabbed in exchange for compensation which is estimated to be far below the lands’ value.

As this situation turned into a scandal, the government issued a statement indicating that it was in no way involved in this. It further explained that the industrial zones that would soon be built in 34 provinces would be built according to president Bouteflika's instructions and agricultural lands would not be taken for these constructions. 

Let’s note that the Oran public prosecutor's office announced an investigation into the“agricultural land dilapidation”.