Legislative Initiative to Eliminate the French Version of the Official Gazette in Algeria

---

Members of the Algerian People’s National Assembly (Parliament) have introduced a draft law to eliminate the use of the French language in the Official Gazette. This move reflects escalating political tensions and the extent of disagreements with France. It comes in the context of a deepening political and diplomatic crisis that now appears to extend into the cultural sector, particularly as Algeria perceives France’s intent to strengthen francophonie in Africa.

• ‘Azawad’ Denies Tebboune’s Claims and Embarrasses the Army in the Release of a Spanish Hostage

• Signs of Tension between Turkey and Algeria Over Participation of ‘Separatist’ Kurds in a Tindouf Conference

Although this legislative initiative is limited to banning French in the Official Gazette, its symbolism illustrates how far Algeria is willing to go in its standoff with its former colonizer. By increasing tensions and compounding conflicts, Algeria seems to believe that this pressure could influence France, despite French ministers expressing their desire to calm tensions and address contentious issues to resolve the crisis.

The proposal highlights the severity of tensions between the two countries, which have now spread to the cultural domain. Most ministries, including key ones like Defense, as well as official administrations, institutions, and companies, have already ceased using French in correspondence and signage. Simultaneously, the use of Arabic and English has been strengthened, particularly in the education system, including higher education.

• Algerian Interest in News of Mali’s Tuaregs Reflects Bias toward Separatists

• France tightens visa requirements for Tunisian, Moroccan and Algerian citizens

The deputies behind this initiative stated that it aims to provide “legal protection for national values” and eliminate what they described as “legal pollution stemming from French colonial policies.”

The draft law, supported by 39 deputies and led by Zakaria Belkheir of the Islamic Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), proposes that the Official Gazette be published exclusively in Arabic. International agreements could be attached as annexes in English or the language of the originating country. The 23-article bill also includes criminal penalties to ensure adherence to this ban.

• Flights between Moroccan Sahara and International Capitals Anger Algeria

• Chaos Strikes Algerian Media: Exaggerated Propaganda for Tebboune Involves a Daily Newspaper

The proponents of the initiative remarked, “It is unacceptable that legislative and regulatory texts are discussed, deliberated, voted on, and approved in Arabic, only to be published in both Arabic and French. It is inconceivable that something temporary has become permanent more than 60 years after independence.”

In recent years, Algerian authorities have taken gradual steps to reduce the use of French. Since late 2019, a program has been implemented to strengthen English education across all levels, particularly in universities, a move that has irked France, which sees it as a troubling indicator of waning influence.

• Has Tebboune Distanced Himself from the Imam of the Paris Mosque to Avoid a New Crisis?

• More than half of French people consider Algeria a terrorist threat

Islamists in Algeria blame proponents of francophonie for the struggles faced by classical Arabic. A report by the Washington Institute for Policy Analysis suggests that this faction has successfully thwarted numerous attempts to Arabize administrations and public institutions, where French remains dominant despite its unofficial status.

These developments occur amidst ongoing confrontations between Algeria and France, marked by political and cultural disputes. The arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has further aggravated tensions.

• “The Snare of the Trap” Documents Algeria’s Cross-Border Violations

• Algeria Offers Aid in Exchange for Closing the Case of Defective Fuel

Amid Algeria’s refusal to release Sansal, detained since December, France turned to the European Parliament to pressure the Algerian government. This intervention provoked strong reactions in Algeria, where pro-government parties denounced any foreign interference.

The National Liberation Front (FLN), the majority party in parliament, condemned the European Union’s resolution as “a blatant interference in Algeria’s internal affairs” and “an affront to its sovereignty.” The National Democratic Rally similarly criticized the resolution as politically motivated, accusing French deputies, notably Jordan Bardella, of instigating it.

Lastly, the Algerian National Union of Journalists denounced what it called the European Parliament’s “hidden hostilities,” rejecting its “falsehoods aimed at discrediting Algeria.”

• Tebboune Distances Himself from Attempt to Maghreb Union

• Protests in France: Marine Infantry’s Involvement Embarrasses Ministry of Defense