Algeria accuses France of following far-right agenda in visa dispute

Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated following France’s decision to tighten visa restrictions for Algerians, prompting accusations from Algiers that Paris is acting under the influence of far-right politicians, Politico reports.

“This dynamic, which has drawn in … members of the French government, could have immeasurable consequences for all aspects of Algerian-French relations,” Algeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry warned in a statement.

Relations between the two countries have significantly deteriorated over the past year. Points of contention include France’s recognition of Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara, the imprisonment of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal—an outspoken critic of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune—and Algeria’s refusal to accept the deportation of Algerian influencers accused of inciting violence in France.

The situation intensified after an Algerian man, reportedly living illegally in France, fatally stabbed a person and injured others on Saturday. French authorities claim they had attempted to deport him to Algeria ten times, but Algiers repeatedly refused to repatriate him.

Before the attack, France had already imposed visa restrictions on some Algerian officials, though Algeria reportedly only became aware of these measures this week. Now, Paris is considering expanding these restrictions to all Algerians.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou suggested that the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement facilitating Algerian immigration to France could be revoked if Algeria continues to reject the repatriation of nationals accused of inciting violence. He also announced plans to send Algeria a priority list of individuals that France urgently seeks to deport.

“These measures … [are] part of the long list of provocations, intimidations, and threats directed against Algeria,” Algeria’s Foreign Ministry stated.

Despite France’s claims, Algeria’s statement did not acknowledge the repeated attempts to deport the suspect involved in the recent attack.