Immigration: François Bayrou asks Algeria to reconsider the 1968 agreements while avoiding diplomatic escalation

France seeks to reassess the 1968 agreements with Algeria

During an interministerial committee on immigration held on Wednesday, February 26, François Bayrou discussed the need to reassess the 1968 agreements between France and Algeria, particularly those that facilitate the arrival and issuance of residence permits for Algerian nationals. This request comes amid rising tensions, fueled by the attack in Mulhouse, where an Algerian in an irregular situation, subject to a deportation order (OQTF), killed a man and injured several municipal police officers. François Bayrou emphasized that France could not accept the ongoing situation, particularly after Algeria’s refusal to take back individuals under OQTF, as seen in Mulhouse, where the suspect had been presented to Algerian authorities fourteen times without success.

Measures to pressure Algeria to resolve the situation

The Prime Minister clarified that his government would ask Algeria to “reconsider the entirety of the agreements” within a six-week period. During this time, France will present an “emergency list” of individuals considered particularly sensitive and to be sent back to Algeria. However, he warned that if there is no response from Algeria, the denunciation of the agreements could become the only possible solution, although this is not the desired outcome.

Boualem Sansal’s situation and the absence of any intention to escalate

François Bayrou also expressed concern about the situation of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who has been imprisoned in Algeria and is on a hunger strike. He insisted that there was no intention to escalate the situation, but that France could no longer accept what he called “damaging” for the relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister affirmed that his goal was not to harden relations but to ensure fair management of the agreements.

Rising tensions despite solid commercial cooperation

French diplomacy, previously hesitant to reopen negotiations on these agreements, now finds itself under pressure in the face of immigration challenges and cooperation with Algeria.