French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that President Emmanuel Macron and key government officials will soon convene to determine France’s response to what Paris deems as growing hostility from Algeria.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly since France recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara last July, leading to a sharp decline in trade relations.
French officials accuse Algeria of adopting a policy aimed at diminishing France’s economic presence in the country, with trade falling by as much as 30% since the recognition of the Moroccan plan.
Furthermore, the arrest of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria and the recent deportation of Algerian influencers from France have further strained relations.
The French government views these actions as deliberate attempts to humiliate France.
While Algeria denies seeking escalation, the two countries are locked in a significant standoff, with historical grievances and political tensions further complicating the situation.