Watan-The Algerian News Agency refuted French statements regarding alleged aid for Algerian development, clarifying that these claims lack credibility and are part of a recurring disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing Algeria’s reputation and suggesting economic dependence on France.
The agency, representing Algeria’s official stance, stated that the circulated claims about French development aid for Algeria are baseless and emphasized that such aid does not exist in Algeria’s economy.
It added that these allegations are an attempt to pressure Algeria, particularly from the French far-right, which seeks to impose sanctions that serve France’s interests rather than Algeria’s development.
The agency explained that the economic reality between the two countries is reflected in French exports to Algeria, which amounted to $3.2 billion in 2023, and French investments, which did not exceed $2.5 billion. This amount is negligible compared to investments from other countries like Turkey, the United States, and Qatar.
Regarding so-called development aid, the agency cited European Commission statistics for 2022, indicating that the total value of such aid does not exceed €130 million. It stressed that 80% of these funds are spent within France to support its educational institutions hosting Algerian students according to France’s economic priorities. The remaining portion is directed towards activities that serve French interests in Algeria, such as promoting the French language and culture.
As such, the agency noted that the “alleged aid” is merely a recycling of funds within France for its benefit, with Algeria having no role in setting priorities or directing these funds. Consequently, it cannot be considered genuine aid or impactful on Algeria’s economic development. It emphasized that Algeria is building its progress based on its own capabilities, free from any form of dependency or economic guardianship. The article concluded with a sarcastic remark: “If this aid truly exists, Algeria is ready to give it up wholeheartedly.”
The issue of French development aid resurfaced amid French responses to what was perceived as an insult by Algeria, which recently refused to accept an influencer deported from French territory.
Months ago, far-right European Parliament member Sarah Knafo sparked significant controversy by repeating false figures about the extent of this aid, prompting Algerian authorities to file a legal complaint against her in Paris for spreading misinformation.
Knafo, a member of the far-right “Reconquest” party led by Éric Zemmour, claimed that France provides €800 million annually to Algeria, calling for the suspension of such aid as part of proposals to reduce public spending amidst France’s massive debt.
In response, official French platforms published investigations revealing that the €800 million figure represented the total funds provided between 2017 and 2022. According to official statistics, the aid amount in 2022 was €131.79 million, while in 2021, it was €112.23 million, and in 2020, €111.63 million.
A closer examination of the figures shows that Algeria is not among the top recipients of French aid under the general development assistance program. Between 2018 and 2022, Morocco, followed by Côte d’Ivoire, Colombia, and Cameroon, were the leading beneficiaries. As for China, the latest available data from 2020 indicates that France provided €171.72 million in aid, while in 2019, the amount reached €160.77 million.
This aid, as defined, aims to “encourage economic development, improve living conditions in developing countries,” and enhance sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and other developmental aspects.
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