Paris, France – On December 24, 2025, France responded to Algeria’s National People’s Assembly’s (APN) unanimous adoption of a law criminalizing French colonialism between 1830 and 1962. A spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that while France does not comment on Algerian domestic policy, it “can only deplore such an initiative.”
France Deplores ‘Hostile Initiative’
The French Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the law as a “manifestly hostile initiative, both to the desire for a resumption of Franco-Algerian dialogue and to serene work on memory issues.” This statement came just hours after the Algerian parliament’s vote.
The spokesperson also highlighted the “magnitude of the work” undertaken by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the memory of colonization, through a mixed commission of French and Algerian historians. “We continue to work towards a demanding dialogue with Algeria, which can meet the priority interests of France and the French, particularly concerning security and migratory issues,” the spokesperson added.
Algerian Law Defines Colonialism as ‘Crimes Against Humanity’
The newly adopted Algerian text qualifies the crimes of French colonialism in Algeria between 1830 and 1962 as “crimes against humanity” that are “imprescriptible.” The law further reaffirms the demand for recognition, apologies, and compensation from French authorities.
Lahcen Zeghidi, the Algerian head of the mixed commission of historians, present in the chamber during the vote, called it a “historic moment.” Algerian political scientist Abdelkader Soufi emphasized that this is the first initiative of its kind in Africa.
Key Aspects of the Algerian Law:
- Defines French colonial acts as “crimes against humanity.”
- Declares these crimes as imprescriptible.
- Demands recognition, apologies, and compensation from France.
- Lists specific “crimes of French colonization,” including:
- Nuclear tests
- Extrajudicial executions
- Practice of physical and psychological torture
- Systematic looting of wealth
The law also specifies that “full and fair compensation for all material and moral damages caused by French colonization is an inalienable right for the Algerian state and people.”
Historical Context and Future Implications
The subject of criminalizing French colonialism has been debated in Algeria since the 1980s, but no law had been passed until now. This legislative action by Algeria is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations, despite ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation on various fronts, including security and migration.
The French reaction underscores the delicate balance between acknowledging historical grievances and maintaining contemporary diplomatic ties. The Algerian government’s move signals a strong stance on its historical narrative and its demands for justice related to the colonial era.
Source: [maliweb.net](https://www.maliweb.net/international/loi-algerienne-criminalisant-le-colonialisme-francais-paris-reagit-3112522.html)
