France Pressures Algeria to Review Agreements Amid Diplomatic Standoff
Tensions Rise as Paris Criticizes Algiers Over Deportation Refusals and Proposes Visa Restrictions.
Watan-French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced on Wednesday that France will request the Algerian government to “review all signed agreements and their implementation methods.” He stated that Algeria would be given “one month to six weeks” to do so.
He added that, in the meantime, an urgent list of individuals who should be allowed to return to Algeria would be submitted to the Algerian government. Bayrou also announced a “ministerial audit” of France’s visa issuance policy, emphasizing that Paris does not wish to “escalate tensions” with Algeria.
Relations between the two countries, already strained, further deteriorated after an attack in eastern France on Saturday. A 37-year-old Algerian national, residing illegally in France, was charged with fatally stabbing a 69-year-old Portuguese man and injuring seven others.
Bayrou stated that this individual had been put forward for deportation “fourteen times to the Algerian authorities, and fourteen times they said no.” He described Algeria’s refusal to take back its citizen as “unacceptable.”
Algeria Expresses Surprise
Algeria has repeatedly refused in recent weeks to allow its nationals expelled from France to re-enter its territory.
On Tuesday evening, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced “mobility and entry restrictions into French territory for certain Algerian figures over the past few weeks.”
In response, Algeria expressed “surprise” on Wednesday, condemning the move as a “new provocation.”
In a statement relayed by Algeria’s official news agency, the Algerian Foreign Ministry said it “was not informed in any way,” as required under Article 8 of the French-Algerian agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic or mission passports.
Algeria also described the decision as “another episode in a long series of provocations, threats, and harassment directed against Algeria,” asserting that it “will have no effect on our country, which will not yield in any way.”
Visa Restrictions & Trade Measures Proposed
Barrot announced on Wednesday that he would propose reducing visa issuance “from all European countries at the same time” for nations that refuse to take back their deported nationals.
Speaking to France 2, he stated, “If a country does not cooperate with French authorities, I will propose that all European countries restrict visa issuance simultaneously.”
He also suggested that the European Union should lower customs tariffs for countries that cooperate in repatriating their nationals, calling it “a particularly effective tool.”
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau proposed a broader review of the 1968 agreements with Algeria, a view shared by former prime ministers Gabriel Attal and Édouard Philippe.
Calls for Sanctions & Travel Restrictions
These agreements grant Algerian nationals special status regarding mobility, residence, and employment in France, allowing for expedited ten-year residency permits, among other privileges.
Xavier Bertrand, a right-wing candidate for the 2027 French presidential election, proposed imposing “sanctions on Air Algérie” and even “limiting flights between Algeria and Paris.”
However, Minister for Parliamentary Relations Patrick Mignola cautioned against a hasty response, warning, “We must be careful,” and rejecting “verbal escalation.” He emphasized that “efficiency must come first” to rebuild a long-term working relationship with Algeria.
On the left, radical MP Éric Coquerel criticized the government’s approach, stating, “This confrontation goes against our interests.” He accused the administration of making a “historic mistake… by acting as a new colonial power.”
