The French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, once again took aim at Algeria, accusing this country of increasing provocations against France. During his speech this Sunday, January 19 on BFMTV, he called for the immediate review of the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement, a text that he considers “obsolete” and “unjust”.
Relations between France and Algeria are deteriorating to a critical point, marked by what Paris perceives as a series of deliberate provocations from Algiers. Refusal to take back its expelled nationals, imprisonment of Franco-Algerian intellectual figures, and indifference to French gestures of reconciliation: for Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior, the cup is full. He accuses Algeria of openly disdaining France, calling for a firm and immediate response, starting with calling into question the 1968 migration agreement, which he describes as humiliating and obsolete.
A “humiliating” and “anachronistic” agreement
Bruno Retailleau expressed his indignation at the 1968 agreement, which he considers a “historic injustice” towards other foreign communities residing in France. “It is time for France to move away from this logic of unilateral appeasement”he insisted, insisting on the fact that this text has become a tool of imbalance in bilateral relations. “This agreement is dated, it has distorted Algerian immigration and it no longer has its place in our current migration policy”he declared firmly.
This declaration comes in a context marked by a series of diplomatic incidents which have exacerbated Paris’ anger. One of the most emblematic cases is that of an Algerian influencer expelled from France but whose return was refused by Algeria, despite having a valid biometric passport. “This refusal is a flagrant violation of international law”asserted Retailleau, adding that this behavior reflects “displayed contempt” towards France.
“Without firmness, Algeria will continue to trample on us”
-Beyond migratory tensions, Retailleau broadened his criticism to denounce a series of acts that he considers “hostile” and “aggressive” on the part of Algeria. He notably cited the imprisonment in Algeria of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, which he presented as an attack on fundamental rights and a symbol of the little consideration that Algiers gives to democratic values.
The minister did not hide his anger, saying that “France has demonstrated exemplary patience and a sincere desire for reconciliation”but in return, she only received “gestures of defiance and provocation”. According to him, these repeated attitudes deeply hurt “the dignity and pride of France”.
Bruno Retailleau thus pleaded for a firm and immediate response, calling for a clear balance of power between Paris and Algiers. “Without firmness, Algeria will continue to trample on us”he warned. He called for “strong measures” to restore the balance, starting with a revision or outright abolition of the 1968 agreement.
For Retailleau, the time is no longer for conciliatory gestures, but for a firm response to a partner he now considers as an adversary. “Algeria must understand that France will no longer tolerate these repeated offenses. It’s a question of sovereignty and mutual respect.”he concluded.
