Relations between France and Algeria remain tense as President Emmanuel Macron clarifies his stance on the 1968 agreement concerning Algerian nationals living in France. Amid calls for stricter immigration policies from Prime Minister François Bayrou and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, Macron insists on the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue with Algeria. He stated, 'The security of the French is above all.' This tension is underscored by the recent Mulhouse attack perpetrated by an Algerian national, which has intensified demands for the French government to act more forcefully on immigration matters.
On March 3, 2025, Macron made headlines when he expressed his commitment to engaging Algeria through 'exigeant et respectueux' dialogue, pushing back against his government’s hardline approach. Earlier, Bayrou had warned Algeria to comply with the 1968 agreement or face its potential denunciation. The Prime Minister's ultimatum, which was delivered following the Mulhouse incident, aimed to pressure Algeria to take back its nationals who are not authorized to remain in France.
Macron, emphasizing the need for dialogue rather than conflict, corrected Bayrou publicly, stating, 'The 1968 agreement is the president of the Republic.' He reiterated, 'What we agreed with President Tebboune of Algeria is its modernization. I am in favor of not denouncing but renegotiation.'
The Mulhouse attack, described by Macron as 'a real case of dysfunction,' has served as the backdrop for this intensified scrutiny of Franco-Algerian relations. Macron called for those identified as dangerous to be repatriated and mentioned the necessity of aligning on issues like the imprisonment of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who has been detained since November.
The state's response has drawn criticism from the Rassemblement National (RN), which accused Macron of failing to take decisive action against Algeria's influence, highlighting those doubts about his leadership. RN's spokesperson, Sébastien Chenu, criticized Macron’s cautious approach, emphasizing it was shameful for the President to fear possible backlash from the Algerian diaspora.
At the same time, members of the opposition voiced their concerns about the conflicting messages from the French government. During sessions at the National Assembly, Jean-Didier Berger noted the need for unity, addressing the dissonant tones from the President and his cabinet over Algeria. 'There are several galaxies of difference between you, and we invite you to harmonize these positions,' he remarked.
Discussions also continued within the Senate, where there was sharp division over how to approach the controversy. While some senators supported Macron, others questioned his ability to effectively manage immigration policies, particularly as failures to expel criminal Algerians had led to the Mulhouse tragedy.
Senator Fabien Gay indicated support for Macron's strategy, noting, 'Between the plague and cholera, I am closer to Macron's comments than those of Retailleau.' This reflects the complicated relationship with Algeria, still shadowed by the history of colonization 'which remains extremely painful for many, even 60 years later.'
On the other hand, the Senator Max Brisson expressed frustration with the government's lack of firmness against Algeria, leading to debates on how best to strengthen France's position on immigration policy, particularly after the failed effort to expel recognized threats.
Looking forward, Macron remains focused on strengthening his political stance and legislative agenda. Amid scrutiny over proposed reforms, especially concerning pensions—where Bayrou's suggestions for referendums have sparked controversy—Macron aims to address pressing concerns before engaging more directly with domestic issues.
The President is expected to clarify his policies on key issues—including potential referenda—by the end of spring 2025, though experts are divided on potential outcomes as Macron grapples with both international responsibilities and internal governance challenges.
The backdrop of the recent events emphasizes not just the stakes involved with Algeria, but the internal political dynamics facing Macron as he navigates pressure from allies and opposition. The situation lays the groundwork for what could be pivotal moments for both French domestic policy and international diplomacy.