One more episode in the tensions between Paris and Algiers. The Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, wants the end of the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement relating to the conditions of entry into France for Algerian nationals. Guest of BFMTV this Sunday, January 19, the tenant of Beauvau repeated that France had been “humiliated” by Algeria, when this country refused entry into its territory of an Algerian influencer expelled from France. “Algeria, he said, did not respect international law” by refusing access to its territory to this influencer who had “a biometric passport” certifying his nationality.
The minister also mentioned the fate of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, imprisoned in Algeria. “France,” continued Bruno Retailleau, “must choose ways to respond to Algeria […]. We went all the way […] I am in favor of strong measures because without a balance of power, we will not succeed.”
“There is no need to be”
In this regard, he hoped that the 1968 agreement would be called into question. “This agreement is dated and has distorted Algerian immigration. It has no reason to exist. It must be put back on the table,” he judged. This is a bilateral agreement signed on December 27, 1968 which creates a single status for Algerian nationals in terms of movement, residence and employment. The text, which falls under international law and therefore takes precedence over French law, excludes Algerians from common law in matters of immigration.
Their entry is facilitated, without the need for a long-stay visa. They can establish themselves freely to carry out a commercial activity or an independent profession and can access the issue of a 10-year residence permit more quickly than nationals of other countries.
Denouncing the “aggressiveness” of Algiers towards Paris, the Minister of the Interior argued that “France has done everything it could on the path to reconciliation and in return, we have had only gestures of aggression. “French pride has been hurt by the offense that Algeria has done to France,” he said again.