This paper will examine the nature of political dynamics during the Boumediene period 1965 to 1978. In particular it will underline the importance of the Algerian Communist Party (PCA). Although banned by the Ben Bella in 1962 regime in reality the PCA became an important ally as his regime moved to the left. For this reason the PCA opposed the Boumediene coup in June 1965. However, reconstituted as the Parti de l’Avant Garde Socialiste (PAGS) in 1966 the party steadily swung behind Boumediene in the late 1960s as the latter took a pro-Soviet and anti-imperialist stance in international relations. This, paper, therefore will analyse the party’s evolving relationship with the Boumediene regime as it became an enthusiastic champion of the agricultural revolution and the close relationship with Castro. In conclusion the paper will examine how Islamists, viewing this alliance with growing horror, used the communist connection as a way of challenging Boumediene’s legitimacy as a whole.