Paris, July 17 – The French Ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, has unveiled a new strategy aimed at re-energizing Franco-Algerian relations, with a primary focus on expediting visa deliveries. This policy shift, detailed in an interview with an Algerian media outlet, has ignited a wave of criticism from right-wing political figures in France, who view it as an overly conciliatory gesture without sufficient reciprocity from Algiers.
Accelerating Visa Deliveries: A Key Component of the New Strategy
Romatet’s announcement underscores Paris’s determination to restore the level of visa issuance to what it was before the diplomatic crisis of summer 2024. “Before the crisis, we issued approximately 250,000 visas per year. This figure has fallen. And our objective is to ensure that this volume of visas that we grant to Algerian nationals, to Algerian citizens who have every good reason to come to France, can restart upwards and probably return to the level that was prior to the crisis,” Romatet stated.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Paris to mend strained ties with Algiers and to foster renewed cooperation in security, judicial, and migratory matters. However, several diplomatic sources have highlighted a perceived paradox: while France is increasing visa approvals, Algeria continues to largely refuse the repatriation of its citizens subject to OQTF (Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français – Obligation to Leave French Territory) orders.
Criticism Mounts Over Perceived Concessions and Irregular Migration
One diplomat, preferring to remain anonymous, summarized the situation by saying, “We are filling the bathtub without being able to empty it.” Estimates suggest that between 100,000 and 120,000 Algerians are currently in an irregular situation in France. Since January, only a few hundred consular laissez-passer documents have reportedly been issued by Algiers, further fueling concerns among critics.
Another point of contention arising from Romatet’s interview is the conspicuous absence of any mention of Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist who was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria. This silence has been interpreted by some as a deliberate attempt by the ambassador to avoid offending Algiers, even on sensitive human rights issues.
Political Backlash and Future Implications
The right-wing opposition in France has been particularly vocal in its condemnation of this new strategy. They argue that accelerating visa deliveries without concrete commitments from Algeria on the repatriation of irregular migrants constitutes a significant concession that undermines France’s sovereignty and interests. The critics demand a more balanced approach, where any increase in visa issuance is directly linked to tangible progress on other bilateral issues.
The French government, however, appears committed to this path, believing that a renewed and more cooperative relationship with Algeria is essential for regional stability and addressing shared challenges, including counter-terrorism and economic development. The long-term efficacy of this strategy, and its political ramifications, will undoubtedly be closely watched in both Paris and Algiers.
The debate surrounding France’s new approach highlights the complex and often contentious nature of its historical and contemporary relationship with Algeria, where immigration, security, and diplomatic considerations are deeply intertwined.
