Macron Urges Stronger French Response Amid Escalating Tensions With Algeria

President Emmanuel Macron has called for a firmer stance from France in its escalating diplomatic rift with Algeria, asserting that France must “command respect” in the face of increasing friction with its former colony.

Relations between Paris and Algiers have deteriorated significantly, with Macron’s earlier ambitions for post-colonial reconciliation now appearing out of reach.

Among the flashpoints are the imprisonment in Algeria of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes. Meanwhile, France has accused pro-Algerian influencers of fueling hate within its borders.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and published by Le Figaro, Macron emphasized the need for France to act decisively. “France can only gain respect from its partners by showing them the respect it expects in return — and this principle applies to Algeria,” he wrote.

Macron urged the formal suspension of a 2013 bilateral agreement with Algiers that grants visa exemptions to holders of diplomatic and official passports. He also instructed the government to invoke a clause in the 2024 immigration law that allows France to deny short-term visas to diplomatic passport holders and long-term visas to broader applicant categories.

To further restrict Algerian officials’ access to France via third countries, Macron proposed enlisting support from fellow EU states within the Schengen Area.

The French president cited the recent convictions of Sansal and Gleizes — sentenced in Algeria to five and seven years in prison, respectively — as emblematic of the strained bilateral relationship. Supporters of both individuals maintain their innocence, claiming they are victims of the current diplomatic climate.

Despite the current hostilities, Macron reiterated his desire to rebuild a “strong and effective relationship” with Algeria. However, tensions have been compounded by France’s 2024 endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a stance that angered Algiers, which backs the Polisario Front.

The legacy of the violent 1954–1962 Algerian War of Independence continues to weigh heavily on Franco-Algerian ties, while recent developments have exacerbated matters. Algerian consulates in France have halted cooperation on repatriating Algerians deemed security threats, leaving French authorities struggling with detention constraints.