French interior minister Bruno Retailleau has proposed reducing Algerian immigration to France and promoting assimilation to combat what he says is growing anti-French sentiment among those of Algerian descent and citizens in Algeria.
In an interview with L’Express on January 22, Retailleau advocated for two key measures: Curbing immigration and emphasising integration to “normalise” relations with Algeria.
“I think we are too generous. France issues the highest number of visas in Europe. Our historical ties with Maghreb countries alone do not justify these figures,” Retailleau said.
He said that in 2024 France issued 2.4 million visas, as opposed to Germany’s 1.5 million.
Retailleau underscored what he said was the need for tighter controls, citing widespread public demand: “Seventy per cent of French people, including left-wing voters, want us to stop uncontrolled immigration,” he claimed.
Retailleau also pushed the importance of assimilation, stating: “The second lever is integration, or rather assimilation. To achieve this, we must stop portraying our history in a lachrymose, penitential way.”
That was apparently in reference to the colonisation of Algeria and the war of independence in 1962.
For Retailleau, transforming the Franco-Algerian relationship required “taking emotion out of it”.
“I fully understand that the war of independence is a foundational event for modern Algeria. I respect that Algeria celebrates this event. I respect sovereignties, states and peoples. But in return, France must be respected.
“No historical pain grants anyone, including Algeria, the right to insult France,” he declared.
Not everyone agreed with Retailleau’s approach.
Former French diplomat Gérard Arnaud criticised the minister’s rhetoric on social media, stating: “He’s pandering to a segment of his electorate but he should think about the national interest.
“This is not how foreign policy is conducted. Such blustering postures lead nowhere.”
Mais qu’il se taise! Je sais qu’il satisfait ainsi une partie de son électorat mais qu’il pense à l’intérêt national. Ce n’est pas ainsi qu’on fait de la politique étrangère. Ces postures de matamore ne mènent nulle part. https://t.co/okHf5GCzLR
— Gérard Araud (@GerardAraud) January 22, 2025
Diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers have been exacerbated by France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Retailleau highlighted the resurgence of anti-French sentiment since 2023, pointing to the revival of an anti-French verse in the Algerian national anthem and what he said was the influence of social media figures with Algerian ties.
He claimed these social media influencers were likely exploiting tensions between France and Algeria.
Earlier in January, France deported TikTok influencer “Zazouyoucef”, an Algerian national accused of inciting violence against opponents of the Algerian regime in France.
Zazouyoucef has since been sent back to France by Algerian authorities.
A TikTok influencer who goes by the pseudonym ‘Zazouyoucef’ has been accused of calling for the shooting of opponents of the Algerian regime in France. https://t.co/nuV9c0asYA
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 3, 2025
