France considers recalling ambassador over Algeria’s deportation refusal

France’s Justice Minister, Gerald Darmanin, has called for the withdrawal of France’s ambassador to Algeria and the cancellation of diplomatic visas for certain Algerian officials, according to Morocco World News.

“We must recall our ambassador and end diplomatic passports that allow access to France for medical treatment or shopping,” Darmanin stated in an interview with TF1.

His remarks follow Algeria’s announcement on Monday that it would refuse to accept the deportation of around 60 Algerian nationals accused of inciting violence in France. Algeria maintains that France has mishandled the legal processes involved.

France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has pledged a “measured response” to Algeria’s stance, which could include suspending visa-free access for Algerian diplomatic passport holders.

Retailleau has previously accused Algeria of attempting to embarrass France. He has also reportedly threatened to resign if President Emmanuel Macron does not back his efforts to exert maximum pressure on Algeria to comply with deportation orders.

Diplomatic tensions between the two countries worsened last summer after France recognized Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara — a move Algeria strongly opposes. The situation escalated further when Algeria returned a deportee to France and jailed Algerian-French writer Boulem Sansal, known for his criticism of the Algerian government.