The last break between Paris and Algiers dates back to incarceration, in Franceof an Algerian consular agent, as part of an investigation linked to the alleged abduction of the videographer Amir dz. This case was followed by a series of reciprocal measures, marked in particular by the mutual expulsion of diplomats and the recall of the French ambassador to Algeria. This new illustrious episode A bilateral relationship crossed for several months by an accumulation of disputes, without real prospects for de -escalation taking shape.
Paris rejects the fault on Algiers
The French minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrotspoke this Tuesday, May 6 on RTLsaying that Relations remain blocked and that the responsibility, according to him, is the responsibility of the Algerian authorities. He explained that the reciprocal expulsion of consular agents had greatly hampered the possibility of recruiting and qualified the decisions made on one side as on the other of particularly brutal. The French diplomacy chief also indicated that The French ambassador to Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, has always been in Paris since his recall in mid-April.
The Minister also stressed that the France should not do Algeria A subject of internal political instrumentalization. He estimated that such Approach risked aggravating an already complex situation, and that it was preferable to seek balanced relationships allowing concrete results. This declaration aims in hollow the criticisms addressed to Bruno Retailleau, accused in Algeria as in France to use the crisis for personal objectives, in connection with its ambitions within the Les Républicains party.
-Crossed accusations and sensitive cases
The minister’s position echoes the indignation expressed by Algiers, who denounced the attitude of Bruno Retailleau As being motivated by internal political calculations, qualifying his behavior as a harmful for the bilateral relationship. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed it as Main responsible for the deterioration of the climate between the two countries, by denouncing practices qualified as unworthy and interested. In this context, any attempt to resume dialogue appears weakened by mutual distrust and the personalization of tensions.
Jean-Noël Barrot also mentioned the case of Boualem sensal, Franco-Algerian writer recently sentenced to five years in prison. He said the author is currently in the hospital and called on the Algerian authorities to show human consideration towards him. This symbolic file adds a dimension sensitive to a crisis dominated by diplomatic and political issues, while revealing the direct impact of tensions on the individuals concerned.
What future for Franco-Algerian relations?
The prospect of short -term warming seems uncertain. As long as the mutual accusations persist and the diplomatic channels remain frozen, the two countries are likely to lock themselves in a lasting dead end. However, appeasement signals could emerge through symbolic gestures or indirect channels, such as cultural or humanitarian initiatives. Discreet mediation by third -party partners, or a change of tone on both sides, could also promote a progressive release. But for the time being, neither capitals seems ready to influence his position publicly.
