Watan-Algerian press reports have revealed unprecedented harassment faced by Algerian travelers in French airports, particularly in Paris. The reports implicate Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau personally in the issue. This comes amid ongoing condemnation of the actions of the French far-right, which is hostile toward Algeria.
According to four Algerian newspapers, Algerian travelers are subjected to restrictions, including the closure of most passport control counters, leaving only one counter open for them. This results in long hours of waiting in crowded lines. The reports highlighted that security checks for Algerian travelers take an inordinate amount of time, often exceeding the duration of the flights themselves. Some have described this as “collective punishment” aimed at humiliating Algerians.
The newspapers quoted testimonies from travelers who experienced these measures, claiming they reflect clear targeting. One account mentioned that French airport staff refused to explain the reasons behind this treatment. However, leaks from some French staff who oppose these practices suggested that the measures were implemented under direct instructions from Retailleau, whom the Algerian press labeled as a “fascist hostile to Algeria.”
The reports added that these practices have caused significant outrage among Algerian travelers and even among travelers of other nationalities, who were shocked by the poor treatment of Algerians. The French right-wing media, however, has remained silent on the issue, ignoring these violations of travelers’ rights. The reports suggested that racism against Algerians has become a prevalent attitude in some French political and administrative circles.
The newspapers noted that French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has a history of such actions, as he has previously made racist statements. Following the killing of Nahel, a young man of Algerian descent, by a French police officer in June 2023, Retailleau justified the incident by referring to the “regression to ethnic roots” among the second and third generations of immigrants. He also expressed support for the officer involved in the shooting, sparking widespread anger among human rights and humanitarian groups.
The reports emphasized that Retailleau’s actions and rhetoric not only harm Algerians but also tarnish France’s international image. This type of systematic racism highlights the disconnect between the slogans of the French Republic and its reality. The newspapers warned that such behavior exacerbates feelings of injustice among Algerians, whether residents of France or those traveling there. They cautioned that continuing these practices could escalate tensions between the two countries, noting that Algeria would not remain silent in the face of these violations, especially given the bilateral agreements that mandate respect for the rights of each country’s citizens.
Interestingly, there is a belief in Algeria that Retailleau’s hostile remarks do not reflect the official stance of Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government but are rather personal and subjective positions of the far-right minister. The reports suggested that Retailleau is attempting to exploit the fragile political situation in France to present himself as a prominent figure in the tense relations between France and Algeria. However, decisions regarding migration agreements, such as the 1968 agreement, fall outside the Interior Ministry’s jurisdiction and require direct coordination between the presidents of both countries.
Retailleau’s recent hostility has focused on targeting the migration agreement signed between Algeria and France in 1968. He described it as “unfair” and called for its cancellation in statements that the Algerian press deemed irresponsible and intended to provoke Algeria. The newspapers found these actions puzzling, as reviewing the agreement falls under the authority of the two countries’ presidents.
Amid ongoing reactions in Algeria to this crisis, the Workers’ Party said it had been following the provocative statements made by French officials and the European Parliament. It reaffirmed its principled and unwavering defense of freedoms in Algeria and worldwide. In a statement, the party reiterated its absolute rejection of any foreign interference in Algeria’s affairs, condemning the double standards in defending human rights and freedoms.
The party, led by former presidential candidate Louisa Hanoune, stated that the “distorted voices” of the far-right, aligned with the Zionist entity in France, aim to divert attention from the severe political, economic, and social crises in France, as well as the majority of the French people’s rejection of their government and its policies, including its support for the “terrorist Zionist entity.” The leftist party emphasized that the best response to these voices is to ignore and disdain them, especially given the growing number of honorable voices in France denouncing the harassment of Algeria and opposing strained relations between the two countries.
Regarding the European Parliament, the party said it does not represent European people but merely endorses regressive and reactionary policies imposed by the European Union, which are widely rejected by workers and European populations. It noted that the European Parliament continues to brazenly interfere in Algeria’s internal affairs and violate its sovereignty. The party saluted the voices opposing this reckless deviation and considered the European Parliament’s threats to cancel the partnership agreement between Algeria and the EU laughable. The Workers’ Party concluded its statement with a message to the European Parliament, saying: “We tell you clearly: ‘We challenge you to cancel the agreement. Dare to demand its cancellation, as your threats will not intimidate us. On the contrary, you would be doing us a great service, as this agreement does not serve Algeria’s interests but entrenches European dominance over our country.’”
-
-
-
-
-
-
