An Ifop – Fiducial survey for Sud Radio highlights the image that the French have of Franco-Algerian relations, as well as their opinions on certain measures and issues linked to this bilateral relationship. Here are the main lessons from this study.
A contrasting perception of Maghreb countries
Asked about the image they have of three Maghreb countries – Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria – the French express varied opinions. Morocco benefits from a largely positive image with 68% of French people having a “good image” of the country, followed by Tunisia (60%). On the other hand, only 29% of French people have a “good image” of Algeria, a figure which remains low although slightly increasing compared to 2012 (26%).
Political proximity also influences these perceptions. For example, 81% of environmentalist supporters have a good image of Morocco, while only 14% of National Rally (RN) supporters have a good image of Algeria.
Algeria seen as the main beneficiary of bilateral relations
When it comes to determining who benefits most from Franco-Algerian cooperation, 74% of French people believe it is Algeria, compared to only 26% for France. This feeling has been constant since 1971, when 76% of French people already held this opinion.
The answers vary, however, depending on political sensitivities. Supporters of La France Insoumise (LFI) are more divided; 62% believing that France is the main beneficiary, while supporters of Les Républicains (LR) and Renaissance overwhelmingly consider that it is Algeria (94% and 91% respectively).
Measures concerning Algeria widely supported
Finally, the French are in favor of several measures linked to the Franco-Algerian relationship. Among those proposed, 67% support the reduction of development aid from France to Algeria. In addition, 64% of respondents approve of France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, and 61% are in favor of the revocation of certain Franco-Algerian agreements, notably those linked to visa and family reunification facilities (agreement from 1968).
Here again, the political divisions are significant. For example, 79% of LR supporters support the revocation of agreements allowing greater freedom of movement for Algerians, while only 35% of LFI supporters share this opinion.
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