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Tensions are escalating between France and Algeria. Following the expulsion of French officials from Algiers on Monday, Paris summoned the Algerian chargé d'affaires on Tuesday to protest what it called an «unjustified and indefensible» decision, according to AFP. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced a reciprocal measure: the expulsion of Algerian diplomats without valid visas.
«Our response is immediate, firm, and proportionate», he said on BFMTV, though he did not specify the number of individuals affected. He warned that France reserves the right to take further action «depending on how the situation evolves».
On its part, Algeria summoned the French chargé d'affaires in Algiers on Sunday to announce a new wave of expulsions targeting officials on temporary assignments, allegedly appointed under «irregular conditions», according to APS. However, the Algerian ministry has yet to issue an official statement.
Paris has condemned the unilateral decision, which it claims violates the 2013 bilateral agreement governing the access of French public officials to Algerian territory. Jean-Noël Barrot lamented the breakdown in dialogue, stating that these decisions serve neither France's nor Algeria's interests.
«France calls on the Algerian authorities to return to a demanding and constructive dialogue», concluded the Quai d'Orsay, amidst frozen relations since the expulsion of twelve French officials in April. Relations between Paris and Algiers have been strained since President Macron's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024.
