In a significant move that has sparked discussions across various sectors, Algeria has introduced radical changes to its marriage law in 2025. These amendments are designed to strengthen the legal foundations of marital relations and protect the rights of family members, while also addressing the social and economic challenges faced by Algerian society.
The modernized marriage law includes several key amendments aimed at aligning marital relationships with contemporary requirements. Among these changes is the establishment of a minimum marriage age for both parties, ensuring that individuals possess the necessary legal and social maturity before entering into a marriage contract. Additionally, the law mandates mandatory premarital medical examinations as a prerequisite for documenting the marriage contract, which aims to safeguard the health of spouses and the stability of families.
Moreover, the new law stipulates that polygamy will only be permitted with court approval, a measure intended to prevent exploitation and ensure compliance with existing laws. This reflects a broader trend within the law to enhance regulatory standards and promote family justice.
These legal reforms are not merely bureaucratic adjustments; they represent a concerted effort to create a balanced environment that promotes healthy family dynamics while protecting the rights of women and children. The amendments also seek to combat the issue of early marriage and curtail customary marriages, which have led to numerous social and legal complications in Algeria.
Imposing mandatory medical examinations is seen as a vital step towards reducing genetic diseases and epidemics among couples, thus contributing to public health in the community. These legislative changes are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering family stability and safeguarding the rights of all individuals involved in marriage.
Public reactions to these new amendments have been mixed. Proponents argue that these measures will foster justice and protect women from the negative consequences of early or informal marriages. However, some groups oppose certain provisions, particularly those relating to the requirement for court approval for polygamy. Critics view this as an infringement on individual freedoms and a challenge to cultural traditions.
In light of these debates, calls have emerged for a reassessment of some provisions to achieve broader social consensus. The Algerian authorities responsible for social programming have opened registration for those wishing to benefit from these new laws, indicating a commitment to facilitating the transition to this reformed legal framework.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, Dr. Reda Farahat, the former Governor of Alexandria and Qalyubia, has expressed his views on the old rent law, which dates back to 1920. During a recent appearance on the "On My Responsibility" program on Sada El-Balad channel, Dr. Farahat emphasized that the primary goal of this law is to maintain social peace.
Farahat pointed out that the state intervened in 1996 to regulate rental relationships through a new rental law. He noted that there have been constitutional rulings that have favored both tenants and landlords, highlighting the complexity of the rental landscape in Egypt.
According to Dr. Farahat, the state now possesses data on housing units available for tenants, and he suggested that the current five-year rental period could be reduced to three years in the old rent law. He criticized the existing law for its flaws, particularly concerning rental values, and advocated for setting a fair price that reflects current market conditions.
He also proposed the establishment of a fund to support those who are unable to afford housing, indicating a recognition of the socio-economic challenges that many tenants face. The call for a fair rental system seeks to balance the interests of property owners and tenants, ensuring that both parties are treated equitably.
In Vietnam, the National Assembly is currently reviewing amendments to the Advertising Law, which have been prompted by the need to adapt to evolving market conditions. Nguyen Dac Vinh, the Chairman of the Culture and Society Committee, reported that the draft law aims to clarify advertising activities and ensure comprehensive regulations that do not overlap with non-advertising information.
Following the government's approval of the draft law on April 16, 2025, it has undergone significant revisions, including the amendment of 23 articles and the elimination of one article from the Advertising Law of 2012. This reflects a commitment to modernizing the legal framework governing advertising practices in Vietnam.
The draft law also seeks to define the roles of individuals involved in advertising, including those who promote products through various means, and to establish clear responsibilities for advertising service providers. This is particularly important in the context of online advertising, where regulations need to be stringent to protect consumers and ensure compliance with local laws.
Moreover, the revisions propose maintaining existing regulations regarding advertising time on television and radio, ensuring that viewers' rights are protected. The National Assembly is also considering the implications of advertising on social media and the responsibilities of influencers in promoting products.
Overall, these legislative developments across Algeria, Egypt, and Vietnam highlight a broader trend of countries reassessing and reforming their legal frameworks to address contemporary societal needs. Whether through marriage laws, rental regulations, or advertising practices, these changes reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing legal protections and promoting social justice.
As these discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how these new laws will be implemented and their long-term impact on society. The path forward will require careful consideration of both legal frameworks and cultural contexts to ensure that the rights of all individuals are upheld.
