Algeria sharply criticised France, accusing the French government of bowing to “orders from the far right” by tightening visa restrictions for Algerians, according to Politico.
The rebuke comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, fueled by a recent deadly knife attack in France allegedly carried out by a 37-year-old Algerian citizen with a “schizophrenic profile.” French authorities revealed that they had attempted to deport the suspect 10 times, but Algeria refused to repatriate him.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Algerian Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned France’s visa restrictions, warning that the move could have “immeasurable consequences” for bilateral relations.
This dynamic, which has drawn in … members of the French government, could have immeasurable consequences for all aspects of Algerian-French relations.
Algeria, however, described the measures as part of a “long list of provocations, intimidations, and threats” directed against the country. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Wednesday that measures had been taken to restrict certain Algerian officials from entering France.
A ministry official later clarified that the restrictions were implemented before the attack.
Algerians constitute a significant portion of immigrants in France, representing 12.2% of the immigrant population in 2023, according to France’s statistics office. The issue of immigration has become increasingly politicised in France, with national-oriented parties advocating for stricter controls.
