French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has announced plans to abolish the 2013 intergovernmental agreement between France and Algeria, which allows Algerian officials to enter France without a visa. This move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
“Targeting the leadership seems smarter, more effective, and something that can be done very quickly,” © Mena Today
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has announced plans to abolish the 2013 intergovernmental agreement between France and Algeria, which allows Algerian officials to enter France without a visa. This move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Speaking on LCI, Darmanin criticized the existing agreement, explaining that it permits thousands of Algerian officials holding official and diplomatic passports to travel freely to France without a visa. “Targeting the leadership seems smarter, more effective, and something that can be done very quickly,” he stated, advocating for the removal of this privilege.
The strained relationship between France and Algeria has further deteriorated following the recent arrest of a 59-year-old Algerian influencer known as "Doualemn" in Montpellier.
The influencer was deported to Algeria after posting a controversial video on TikTok but was sent back to France the same evening, intensifying tensions.
In response, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau accused Algeria of seeking to "humiliate France." Meanwhile, Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the deportation as “arbitrary and abusive” and rejected France's claims of "escalation" and "humiliation."
Additionally, former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal had previously called for the termination of the 1968 bilateral agreement that grants Algerians special status in France concerning movement, residency, and employment.
Echoing this sentiment, Darmanin remarked, “This agreement can be denounced or revised—it has already been amended four times and has become somewhat outdated.”
Another point of contention is the recent arrest of Boualem Sansal, a 75-year-old Franco-Algerian writer, in Algiers. Darmanin urged Algerian authorities to release the ailing author promptly, stating, “He must regain his freedom as soon as possible. Algeria would honor itself by releasing him.”
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