France Grants Algeria a “Deadline” for Agreements
French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced on Wednesday that France “will request the Algerian government to review all signed agreements and their implementation methods,” stating that Algeria would be given “one month to six weeks” to comply.
He added:
“In the meantime, an urgent list of individuals who must be allowed to return to their country will be provided to the Algerian government.” Bayrou also revealed plans for a “ministerial audit” regarding France’s visa issuance policy, emphasizing that Paris does not seek “escalation” with Algeria.
France-Algeria relations have reached an unprecedented level of tension amid a series of rapid political and diplomatic developments. The strain intensified after Algeria refused to repatriate an undocumented migrant convicted of glorifying terrorism, who later carried out an attack in the French city of Mulhouse.
Last month, Algeria summoned France’s ambassador to protest what it described as the “provocative treatment” of its citizens at French airports. In a further escalation, Paris brought the disputes to the European Parliament, which called on Algeria to release detained opinion activists—a move that sparked outrage from the Algerian government.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, earlier this month, remarked that “the climate with France has become harmful, and we are wasting time with Macron.” He stressed, “From now on, the ball is in the Élysée’s court to prevent an irreparable rift.”
In an interview with the French newspaper L’Opinion, excerpts of which were published by the Algerian presidency, Tebboune accused French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau of attempting a “political blow against Algeria” by trying to deport an Algerian influencer. He stated, “France pursues Algerian activists on social media while protecting criminals and vandals by granting them citizenship and asylum rights.”
Lebanese Government Led by Nawaf Salam Gains Parliament’s Confidence
