“Those who tell you the opposite are irresponsible,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs on France Inter on Wednesday morning.
“The Algerian authorities have chosen climbing”regretted the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on France Inter this morning. Algeria has expelled twelve French officials in retaliation for the detention of an Algerian consular agent, indicted for arrest, kidnapping, forcible confinement or arbitrary detention, in relation to a terrorist enterprise, according to the National Anti -terrorist prosecution (PNAT). “This decision is regrettable and will not be without consequences. If Algeria persists in wanting to expel French officials, we will have no choice but to take similar measures ”, He had explained the day before on France 2.
Consequently, Paris expelled twelve Algerian agents and recalled its ambassador for consultations. A diplomatic crisis has opposed France and the authorities of its former departments for several months. Algeria regularly refuses to resume its nationals despite the obligations linked to conventions between the two countries and international law. Bruno Retailleau wishes to end it and even proposed to review certain bilateral agreements, very advantageous for Algeria. The Vendéan wanted to establish “A balance of power” With Algeria following the Mulhouse attack committed by an Algerian on February 22, 2025.
He had been refused ten times in fourteen months by his country. In front of the outcry, François Bayrou had announced a “Graduated response » Faced with Algeria. France had transmitted a list of fifty-eight-free nationals to expel in priority. An approach that has been rejected. Bruno Retailleau Porte “Full responsibility” From this revival of tension, according to Algeria. Algerian power also placed Boualem Sansal, a 80-year-old Franco-Algerian writer with cancer, in detention, further stiffening relations between the two countries.
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“We have an interest in having a normal relationship with Algeria”
“France firmly replies and the strictest reciprocity. But it is always necessary, obviously, to give a chance to the dialogue. This is the only way to solve tensions, and those who tell you the opposite are irresponsible ”added Jean-Noël Barrot this morning. The latter went, on April 6, in Algeria to try to appease the diplomatic relationship, often complicated by the erratic behavior of power. “We had obtained commitments and then, last Friday, the independent French justice, decided to arrest three Algerians and Algeria made this brutal decision to expel our civil servants”said the minister. Bruno Retailleau, accused by the authorities of Algiers of being at the origin of the arrests, “Has nothing to do with a judicial decision because in France justice is independent”defraining the St. Elay Of The Orsay’s Tonight.
“We have an interest in having a normal relationship with Algeria to expel Algerians in an irregular situation, have a dialogue on intelligence and to release Boualem Sansal. […] We will continue to demand from Algeria that it respect its obligations with regard to international law ”assured Jean-Noël Barrot. “With neighboring Morocco, we have managed to normalize our relationships. […] Bruno Retailleau, who was on the move, returned with good news and the Moroccan commitment to double the consular pass ”he added.
Algeria is in high conflict with Morocco to take regional leadership. However, France has come closer to Morocco and recognized its sovereignty over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony claimed by Morocco, which Algeria disputes. Finally, the minister returned to the organization in Marseille of the Anchor Forum which highlights African diasporas. “I want to say to African and especially Algerian diasporas, they are a chance for France”he explained. “They must not pay the price for this relationship with Algeria”.
