On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Bruno Retailleau, the Interior Minister of France, addressed the ongoing tensions between France and Algeria during an appearance on TF1.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau accused Algeria of failing to uphold the law by refusing to accept one of its nationals expelled from France during an interview on TF1 on Tuesday. He is contemplating sanctions against the Air Algérie company in response.
French judicial sources indicate that Algiers has declined to accept one of its nationals, a 30-year-old who was sentenced in May by the Thonon-les-Bains court (Haute-Savoie) to six months in prison and a prohibition on entering the country due to multiple offenses, including theft, receiving stolen goods, and possession of a bladed weapon.
“The minister clarified that a consular pass would be necessary if the Algerian lacked an identity card or a biodigital passport.” “However, in this context, the document is acknowledged.” He hails from Algeria. Algeria appears to be in violation of legal standards. I enquired with my team to determine the conditions under which we could impose sanctions on the national airline Air Algérie, he stated. “At this moment, we are observing the complete extent of the potential reaction.”
As the maximum period of detention drew near, the Algerian national was escorted by police officers onto a flight to Algeria, which touched down in Oran during the night of February 10 to 11. Despite possessing a valid identity card, the Algerian authorities denied him entry, citing the absence of a consular pass, and he was promptly returned to France, as detailed in these court documents.
In a statement to his services, reviewed on Monday by AFP, the Minister of the Interior acknowledged an “additional and new requirement” from the national company Air Algérie that “deviates from the agreements” established between the two countries.
The minister’s office underscores that the company now mandates consular passes, even for individuals with valid identity documents scheduled for departure. What accounts for France’s apparent vulnerability in its relationship with Algeria? “I believe we need to (…) create a balance of power,” stated Bruno Retailleau, highlighting potential pressure tactics, including the idea of “withholding certain privileges” from various figures within the nomenclature and diplomats.
He further noted that France has the ability to “question agreements in a more general way.” “When Algeria fails to uphold its commitments to France and international law, what compels us to adhere to our agreements with Algeria?”
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