Algeria Blames French Interior Minister for Renewed Crisis with France

Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated in recent days, marked by the expulsion of 12 diplomats from each country.

Observers warn that the situation, already at a boiling point, could lead to a complete rupture in relations unless one side takes steps to de-escalate.

Relations between Algeria and France especially soured following the arrest of an Algerian diplomat in Paris, alongside two others, on charges of kidnapping and detaining Algerian opposition figure Amir Boukhriss.

The French judiciary has linked the case to terrorism.

In response, Algeria strongly condemned the diplomat's detention and expelled 12 French embassy staff last Monday, all connected to French security services.

The following day, Paris retaliated by expelling an equal number of Algerian diplomats, asserting that its judiciary acted independently in its investigation into the April 2024 kidnapping incident.

In a statement on Tuesday, Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau personally responsible for the diplomat's imprisonment.

Since tensions began rising late last year, Algeria has emphasized that its issue is with French policies, not President Emmanuel Macron personally.

The dispute has intensified over Macron's push to deport hundreds of “undesirable” Algerians and his insistence on scrapping the 1968 migration agreement between the two countries, claiming it hinders France's efforts to curb illegal immigration.

Retailleau, a prominent figure on the French right and a key contender for leadership of the “Les Républicains” party, has become a leading advocate for a hardline stance on Algeria.

His recent focus on immigration issues reflects his strategy to secure votes ahead of the upcoming election.

aawsat.com