French Justice Minister Calls for Recalling Ambassador from Algeria and Ending Diplomatic Visas
French Justice Minister Calls for Action Against Algeria After Algiers Rejects Deportation List, Escalating Tensions Between the Two Nations.
Watan-French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has called for immediate action against Algeria after the latter officially refused to accept a list of 60 Algerian nationals whom France seeks to deport. This latest dispute marks another escalation in the growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries in recent months.
During an interview with TF1, Darmanin stated that Algeria’s refusal to take back these 60 individuals does “not constitute an insult.” However, he fully supports the “gradual response” advocated by his colleague, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, in response to what he described as a fresh diplomatic blow from Algiers.
France Considers Diplomatic and Legal Retaliation
Darmanin proposed several retaliatory measures, including:
- Recalling the French ambassador from Algeria (a decision that lies with the French president).
- Ending diplomatic passports that allow Algerian officials to travel to France for medical treatment or shopping.
- Reviewing the 1968 agreements governing the legal status of Algerians in France, though he noted:”Let’s wait for Algeria’s response before making a final decision.”
- He emphasized that French retaliatory measures should first target Algeria’s political and economic elite rather than ordinary citizens.
France Suspends 2007 Visa Agreement for Algerian Diplomats
The first phase of France’s response began Monday evening, with the suspension of the 2007 visa exemptions that allowed holders of Algerian diplomatic and special passports to enter France without visas.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed disappointment over Algeria’s decision, stating:
“It is regrettable that Algeria refuses to comply with international law. As decided by the interministerial committee chaired by the Prime Minister, a gradual response will now be implemented.”
France Seeks Dialogue But Stays Firm
Despite what he called “very unfortunate moments of tension,” Darmanin emphasized the need for dialogue with Algeria, calling it a “great country” whose borders matter to France.
“Diplomacy means talking to people we don’t agree with,” he said, while acknowledging that a long-term bilateral agreement with Algeria would eventually be necessary. However, he warned:
“That doesn’t mean we should be naive.”
Far-Right Calls for More Aggressive Measures
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has called for harsher measures against Algeria, including:
- Freezing visas and financial transfers to Algeria.
- Ending public development aid to the country.
- Completely scrapping the 1968 agreements that grant Algerians preferential legal status in France.
However, Darmanin mocked Le Pen’s proposals, arguing that:”A gradual response must actually be gradual. Madame Le Pen has never governed, so she does not understand how relations with a major state are managed.”
Algeria Rejects French Pressure, Denounces “Blackmail”
On Monday, the Algerian Foreign Ministry formally rejected France’s list of 60 individuals slated for deportation, condemning what it described as “threats and blackmail.”
In a strongly worded statement, Algeria denounced France’s “selective approach” to bilateral and international agreements on deportation procedures. The Algerian government categorically rejected any unilateral revisions by Paris to established consular coordination channels for handling such cases.
