France and Algeria Closer Than Ever to Diplomatic Break

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France’s decision to suspend the visa exemption agreement for Algerian diplomats has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as an unjustified escalation, while others consider it a necessary move given the stalled dialogue between the two countries.

France and Algeria now seem closer than ever to a diplomatic break, with both countries taking reciprocal measures. The latest move came on Tuesday when Paris decided to suspend the visa exemption agreement for holders of Algerian diplomatic passports. This decision is part of a broader tension between the two countries, primarily due to Algeria’s refusal to accept the deportation list presented by French authorities.

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The suspension of the agreement is a response to Algeria’s rejection of the deportation list, which includes the names of Algerian citizens who have been subject to expulsion orders. This decision means that holders of Algerian diplomatic passports will now need a visa to enter French territory.

This move increases the intensity of the tensions between the two countries, which have seen a recent escalation due to several issues, including migration, the deportation of Algerian migrants, and the case of the French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. This situation could further deteriorate, with both countries considering more severe measures in the future. Algeria is studying various options to respond to France’s move, while French ministers blame Algeria for the deterioration of relations, calling for a firm response to Algeria’s escalation.

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The French decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as an unjustified escalation, while others see it as a necessary step given the diplomatic stalemate between the two countries.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that France would take new measures as part of a ministerial committee chaired by the Prime Minister, including the suspension of the 2007 agreement that granted Algerian diplomats the privilege of entering France without a visa.

In an interview with France Inter, Darmanin explained that this decision came after Algeria rejected the list of Algerians subject to expulsion orders from France. He expressed regret that Algeria refuses to comply with international law and added that France might take further escalating actions in the future.

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Darmanin reaffirmed on Wednesday that Paris “does not want war with Algeria” but accused Algeria of being the one attacking France. He also mentioned the possibility of a “gradual response” to Algeria in the midst of an acute diplomatic crisis. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Aix-en-Provence rejected Wednesday the request for the extradition of Abdelaziz Bouchouareb, former Minister of Industry under the late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, citing “exceptionally dangerous consequences.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian emphasized on Tuesday France’s commitment to its relationship with Algeria, calling for “calm.” During an iftar at the Great Mosque of Paris, Le Drian reiterated the importance of relations between the two nations, stating that current tensions, which were not caused by France, benefit neither France nor Algeria.

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Le Drian’s comments followed those of the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, Chems-eddine Hafiz, who praised the mosque’s efforts to promote peace and dialogue between the two countries.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called on the French government to act immediately by suspending visas for Algerians, halting financial aid, and canceling the 1968 agreements that grant Algerians special residency and work privileges in France.

The suspension of the visa exemption agreement for Algerian diplomats is a major escalation in France’s policy, intended to pressure Algeria into accepting expulsion orders. This move is expected to intensify bilateral tensions, particularly regarding migration and security issues.

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As tensions between France and Algeria persist, bilateral relations are likely to deteriorate further unless a diplomatic solution is found. Algeria remains firm in its refusal to allow foreign interference in its internal affairs, while France appears determined to enforce its strict migration and security policies.

The suspension of the visa exemption agreement highlights the complexity of relations between the two countries, with political, security, and migration issues intertwining to fuel increasing tensions. The pressing question now is whether the two countries can overcome their crises through diplomatic dialogue or whether relations will continue to deteriorate in the months ahead.

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