Algeria strongly denounced France’s latest sanctions, calling them part of a “long series of threats and harassment.”
The Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, describing the French move as a “provocation” and asserting that Algeria was not formally informed as required by bilateral agreements.
“These sanctions will not affect Algeria in any way,” the statement declared, dismissing France’s decision as inconsequential.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the sanctions during an interview with BFMTV, stating that certain Algerian dignitaries would face travel restrictions.
“These are reversible measures that will be lifted as soon as the cooperation we seek resumes,” Barrot said, warning of additional steps if no progress is made.
Tensions Escalate Over Deportations
France’s decision stems from Algeria’s repeated refusal to accept deported nationals, including a suspect in a recent fatal attack in Mulhouse.
On Saturday, an Algerian national under a deportation order stabbed one person to death and wounded five others near a market in the French city.
French President Emmanuel Macron classified the attack as a “terrorist act,” while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said Algeria had rejected the suspect’s return 10 times.
Retailleau called for a shift in the “balance of power” between France and Algeria, signaling tougher immigration policies.
Historic Disputes Resurface
French Prime Minister François Bayrou urged Algeria to reconsider the 1968 immigration agreements that grant Algerians special status in France.
“France will ask Algeria to review all agreements between the two countries,” Bayrou said after an inter-ministerial council on immigration.
The 1968 accords, signed six years after Algeria’s independence, provide Algerians with unique entry, residency, and employment privileges in France.
“We must prevent any escalation with Algeria,” Bayrou added, signaling a careful diplomatic approach amid long-standing tensions.
Relations between the two nations remain fragile, as unresolved issues from France’s colonial rule over Algeria between 1830 and 1962 continue to fuel disputes.
