On March 3, 2025, the French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, announced sweeping and potentially contentious measures to address the rising tensions between France and Algeria. This declaration followed the recent Mulhouse attack on February 22, 2025, where an Algerian national illegally residing in France was implicated. Retailleau emphasized the need for a "graduated response" to the situation, which he described as long overdue. He stated, "We are currently drawing up a list of several hundred individuals with dangerous profiles who will be presented to the Algerians for repatriation. This is our truth test."
The minister explained during his appearance on RMC/BFMTV, "These individuals, whose danger levels vary, have either committed public order offenses or are included on our files of radicalized individuals connected to terrorist activities." He underscored the urgency to address the issue, asserting, "I want to do everything possible to prevent another incident like the one in Mulhouse from happening again." This event, where the attacker killed a Portuguese national, highlighted the pressing concerns around illegal immigration and national security.
Less than a week prior, François Bayrou, the French Prime Minister, indicated his intention to present what he termed an "emergency list" to the Algerian authorities. He warned Algeria would face consequences if it did not cooperate with taking back its nationals who are currently living illegally in France. Retailleau’s comments reinforced this narrative, stating, "If no results are obtained, the only possible outcome will be the denunciation of the agreements between our countries," echoing the sentiments shared by Bayrou.
The disagreement within the French government came to light, particularly concerning how aggressively to approach Algeria. President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, publicly distanced himself from calls to denounce the 1968 agreement, which allows Algerian nationals easier access to France. Notably, Macron insisted on his responsibility to protect French citizens, but he also affirmed, "We need to maintain pragmatic relations with Algeria."
Adding to the complexity of diplomatic relations, Retailleau revealed the existence of several other tensions between France and Algeria. He pointed out the systematic blacklisting of French companies from Algerian public contracts, the eradication of French language education, and the revival of anti-French sentiments within Algerian national symbols. These actions, according to Retailleau, have deepened the rift between the two countries. "No pain from history, and I know how acute it can be, gives anyone the right to offend my country, France," he stated. This sentiment reflects not only frustration but also rising nationalist attitudes among some French officials.
The governmental strategy, labeled as "a graduated response," aims to take measured steps to handle the growing frustrations with Algeria. Retailleau affirmed his commitment to using this strategy to safeguard national interests, including the safety of the French populace. During his interview with Le Figaro, he elaborated on his strategies, which he believes are necessary to confront Algeria more effectively. "We must navigate these waters carefully, considering the challenging nature of our relations with Algeria. To see tangible results, we need to exert pressure," he explained.
Meanwhile, speculations abound about potential repercussions following the threat of expulsion. Last week saw the wife of the Algerian ambassador to Mali being turned away from France, which some view as part of France's broader strategy to assert its position concerning Algeria. This episode, coupled with past refusals to accept back certain criminal Algerian nationals, marks growing tensions and confrontations between the two nations.
Retailleau’s preparations for mass expulsions of Algerians considered dangerous come with accusations of being both too severe and inadequately based on rigorous legal standards. Critics argue his approach may reflect xenophobia or racial bias, particularly as it targets profiles deemed dangerous without sufficient due process. Human rights advocates have already voiced disapproval over the pattern of targeting vulnerable populations, urging the government to reconsider its methods.
Adding fuel to the fire, the French government has suggested imposing stricter measures on Algerians currently residing within France. Retailleau has called for implementing "security retention" penalties, which would enable authorities to detain foreign nationals until their expulsion is enforced. This plan echoes past controversies where detainees have been held for extended periods without clear legal recourse, raising significant concerns over civil liberties.
Bruno Retailleau's stance may resonate with nationalistic sentiments among parts of the French electorate, but it risks deepening historical tensions and possibly inflaming anti-French sentiment abroad. Electoral consequences loom as the far-right parties have begun capitalizing on this narrative, framing it as indicative of weakness on Macron's part. Indeed, by adopting this rhetoric, Retailleau may seek to position himself as the primary defender of French values against perceived foreign threats.
Internationally, analysts see the backdrop against which Retailleau presents these measures as fraught with danger. If Algeria responds defensively to the proposed list of expulsions or reneges on additional agreements with France, it could lead to broader regional instability. With Algeria already facing internal pressures and the specter of rising tensions with France looming over the diplomatic horizon, the situation warrants careful management from Paris.
Consequently, negotiations will be arduous, requiring great tact and strategy from French officials. Both countries have significant historical ties forged through colonial legacies, necessitating prudent and respectful communication strategies to prevent escalation. With Retailleau committed to presenting the Algerian authorities with this controversial list soon, the upcoming weeks may prove pivotal for the future of Franco-Algerian relations.