The article discusses how the elites in Algeria have influenced political change in the country. Initially, they helped build the Algerian state, but their relationship with the ruling authority cooled over time. This led to a need for political change similar to other Arab countries. The elites are now becoming more active in the political process, which could reshape Algeria's political landscape. However, there are concerns about how the elites will handle political change, especially in light of the Arab Spring revolutions. It is crucial for the elites to lead the transition carefully to avoid setbacks and ensure a successful shift towards democracy.