Paris, France – Algeria’s adoption of a law criminalizing French colonialism (1830-1962) has been met with sharp criticism from France, which on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, denounced the move as a “manifestly hostile initiative.” The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its regret, stating the law undermines efforts to resume Franco-Algerian dialogue and work on memorial issues.
France Deplores Algerian Law Criminalizing Colonialism
The spokesperson for the Quai d’Orsay, France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that France does not typically comment on Algeria’s internal politics. However, the ministry found it necessary to express its disappointment with this particular initiative. It highlighted the significant work undertaken by President Emmanuel Macron concerning the memory of colonization, particularly through a joint commission of French and Algerian historians. This commission was established to foster a serene and objective examination of the historical past between the two nations.
“This is a manifestly hostile initiative, both to the desire to resume Franco-Algerian dialogue and to serene work on memorial issues,” stated the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement underscores the fragility of relations between the two countries, which have seen periods of both rapprochement and tension in recent years. [tsa-algerie.com](https://www.tsa-algerie.com/algerie-ce-que-contient-le-projet-de-loi-criminalisant-le-colonialisme-francais/) and [lepoint.fr](https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/lalgerie-sapprete-a-voter-une-loi-sur-la-criminalisation-de-la-colonisation-francaise-LXOHAAOSJRELPCJ2RXFYBHFLTY/) reported earlier this month on the impending vote and the contents of the proposed law, which includes demands for recognition, apologies, and reparations from France.
Impact on Franco-Algerian Relations
Despite the strong condemnation, the French ministry affirmed its commitment to continuing efforts for a demanding dialogue with Algeria. The goal, it stated, is to address France’s priority interests, especially regarding security and migratory issues. This suggests that while the law is viewed negatively, France is still open to engagement on other critical matters.
The Algerian parliament’s unanimous adoption of the law not only criminalizes French colonial actions but also demands “official apologies” from France. This demand for apologies and recognition has been a recurring theme in Algerian discourse regarding its colonial past. [lanouvelletribune.info](https://lanouvelletribune.info/2025/12/algerie-le-colonialisme-francais-bientot-criminalise-par-la-loi/) noted that the law outlines 30 categories of crimes attributed to French authorities during the colonial period, including arbitrary executions, torture, rape, and the plundering of resources, and declares these crimes imprescriptible.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Tensions
The relationship between France and Algeria has been complex and often strained, particularly concerning the legacy of French colonialism. The 132-year occupation, which ended in 1962 after a brutal war, continues to be a sensitive topic. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has previously stated that Algeria does not seek monetary compensation but rather recognition of crimes committed during the colonial era. [tsa-algerie.com](https://www.tsa-algerie.com/algerie-france-tout-savoir-sur-le-projet-de-loi-criminalisant-le-colonialisme/) highlighted that the law also addresses the issue of nuclear testing sites in the Algerian Sahara, demanding that France clean up these areas and provide maps of the test locations.
In February 2025, Algeria rejected what it termed “ultimatums and threats” from France, signaling ongoing diplomatic friction. [lemonde.fr](https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2025/02/27/l-algerie-rejette-categoriquement-les-ultimatums-et-menaces-de-la-france_6567888_3212.html) reported on Algeria’s firm stance against any attempts to re-evaluate existing bilateral agreements, particularly those concerning migration. This latest legal move by Algeria is seen by some as a direct response to perceived French intransigence on historical matters and a reassertion of Algerian sovereignty and historical narrative.
Future Implications
The adoption of this law by Algeria is expected to further complicate diplomatic exchanges between Paris and Algiers. While France has expressed its commitment to dialogue, the terming of the law as “manifestly hostile” indicates a significant level of displeasure. The Algerian law also introduces penal provisions for those found guilty of glorifying colonialism or attacking symbols of the Algerian Revolution, a move that could have implications for freedom of expression and historical interpretation.
The coming months will likely reveal the full extent of the diplomatic fallout and how both nations navigate this new legal and political landscape. The ongoing work of the joint Franco-Algerian historical commission will also be under increased scrutiny, as its findings and recommendations become even more critical in light of these developments.
Source: [lamontagne.fr](https://www.lamontagne.fr/paris-75000/actualites/adoption-d-une-loi-en-algerie-criminalisant-la-colonisation-francaise-une-initiative-manifestement-hostile-deplore-paris_14805051/)
