French President Emmanuel Macron called for a “rigorous and respectful dialogue” with Algeria, distancing himself from the fiery rhetoric of his government ministers, according to Politico.
Macron’s comments, made in an interview with Le Figaro on Tuesday, contrast sharply with recent statements by Prime Minister François Bayrou and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who have advocated for a tougher stance on Algeria.
The dispute escalated following a deadly knife attack in eastern France, allegedly carried out by a 37-year-old Algerian citizen with a history of mental health issues. French authorities claimed they had attempted to deport the individual 14 times, but Algeria refused to issue the necessary consular pass for his return.
In response, Bayrou suggested that France might withdraw from a 1968 agreement that simplifies immigration procedures for Algerian nationals, accusing Algeria of failing to cooperate on deportations. Algeria, however, has dismissed France’s criticisms as politically motivated, accusing Paris of following “orders from the far right.”
Macron stressed that decisions regarding international agreements fall under the president’s authority, not the government’s. While acknowledging the challenges posed by migration, he rejected the idea of withdrawing from the 1968 agreement, instead advocating for its renegotiation.
We need to engage in a rigorous and respectful dialogue.
France and Algeria have a complex and often strained relationship, rooted in Algeria’s struggle for independence from French colonial rule, which ended in 1962 after a brutal war. Recent tensions have been fueled by France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a position that has angered Algeria.
