
Tensions between France and Algeria continue to escalate, prompting France’s government to reassess its diplomatic strategy.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that President Emmanuel Macron and top officials will meet in the coming days to decide how to respond to what Paris considers mounting hostility from Algeria.
The deteriorating relationship has intensified since July 2024 when Macron publicly backed Morocco’s plan for autonomy in Western Sahara, angering Algeria.
Although official diplomatic ties remain intact, trade between the two nations has dropped by 30%, with French companies losing ground in the Algerian market.
Barrot expressed concern over Algeria’s actions, describing the country’s stance as a “hostile posture.”
He emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, highlighting that about 10% of France’s population has connections to Algeria.
French officials are also worried about the growing economic exclusion, with Algerian authorities cutting French firms out of key tenders, particularly in the wheat import sector.
Diplomatic tensions have been exacerbated by the arrest of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal, whose detention has drawn sharp criticism from Macron.
Further inflaming the situation, several Algerian social media influencers were recently arrested in France, adding to the friction.
The arrest and deportation of one influencer sparked accusations from France’s right-wing parties that Algeria was attempting to humiliate the former colonial power.
Barrot called the actions a “serious violation” of the diplomatic protocols governing their relationship.