French MEP criticizes Algeria’s economic cost to France

France spends over €9 billion annually on Algeria, more than the agriculture ministry’s budget and three times the budget of the French Overseas Territories, according to French Member of the European Parliament, Sarah Knafo, quoted in the North Africa Post. She claims the costs include €136 million in development aid, €880 million in pension fraud, €1.6 billion in social benefits, and €2.2 billion linked to crime by Algerian nationals. Algeria, she argues, has become a “serious political liability” for Paris.

Calls for tougher measures are growing in France, with some MPs urging sanctions until Algeria repatriates its undocumented nationals. Others advocate for a U.S.-style crackdown on illegal migration.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament has warned that future EU funding for Algeria depends on democratic reforms. MEPs condemned Algeria’s crackdown on journalists, activists, and political opponents, linking continued financial support to improvements in human rights and judicial independence. As tensions rise, France’s economic and diplomatic policy Algeria will come under greater legislative scrutiny.