Amid strained France-Algeria relations, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau takes a firm stance on consular passes and immigration, reigniting tensions over deportations and cultural issues.
France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has reiterated his intent to confront Algeria on the issue of consular passes required for enforcing OQTFs (orders to leave French territory). This comes during a diplomatic crisis exacerbated by the arrest of three Algerian influencers in France.
The influencers, detained in Brest, Echirolles, and Montpellier, are accused of inciting violence against Algerian activists in France and promoting terrorism on TikTok. Retailleau, who personally announced the arrests, emphasized, “These individuals are testing the resistance of the Republic: I will not let anything pass.”
In an interview with Le Parisien, Retailleau linked the diplomatic challenges to ongoing deportation efforts, stressing the importance of consular cooperation. He maintained his earlier stance of “arm wrestling” with Algeria, a position that has been a sticking point in bilateral relations.
Adding to the tension, Retailleau reiterated controversial positions on immigration, the Islamic veil, and the 1968 Algerian-French agreement on immigration. Describing the veil as “a banner for Islamism,” he advocated for a ban in universities and warned against leniency in migration policy.
The diplomatic crisis deepened after President Emmanuel Macron criticized Algeria for detaining French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, calling the act “dishonoring.” Retailleau also warned of potential retaliatory measures if Sansal is not released.
Retailleau’s hardline statements and policies have contributed to the growing rift between Paris and Algiers, with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune condemning his stance as fueling extremism. As tensions escalate, the future of France-Algeria relations hangs in the balance.
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