France Moves to Cancel 2013 Agreement with Algeria Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions
The diplomatic crisis between Paris and Algiers continues to escalate, with France considering decisive measures, including the cancellation of the 2013 agreement that allows Algerian political and diplomatic elites to enter French territory without a visa.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau explained in an interview with “BMTV” that France is seriously considering terminating this agreement, citing Algeria’s persistent refusal to cooperate on immigration issues, particularly after its failure to repatriate 60 of its nationals listed for deportation by Paris.
This deadlock has further intensified tensions between the two countries, especially after Algeria expelled 12 French diplomats, prompting a reciprocal response from France and deepening the crisis.
Retailleau affirmed that France is determined to compel Algeria to cooperate on migration issues, also stressing that Paris is demanding the release of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, describing the demand as a “humanitarian necessity.”
Meanwhile, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin had earlier called for the termination of the privileges granted to holders of Algerian diplomatic passports, deeming them “unjustified,” and proposed removing these benefits as a swift retaliatory step, while preserving cultural and familial ties with the Algerian community in France.
These developments mark a new phase of heightened tensions, with both sides remaining firmly entrenched in their positions and no real diplomatic efforts underway to ease the crisis, signaling a likely further deterioration in relations between the two nations.
