Algeria is attacking the “privileges” of the French Embassy – L’Express

The Algerian Foreign Ministry announced Thursday, August 7, the “end to the provision, free of charge, of real estate belonging to the Algerian State for the benefit of the French Embassy in Algeria”. Consequently, A verbal note transmitted by Algiers to Paris also announces “the re -examination of leases. Nevertheless, considerably advantageous, contracted by the embassy” with public real estate establishments in Algeria.

Among other “privileges” are targeted, goods designed to accommodate French institutes or consulates present in the country. In addition, The press release also invites “the French part to dispatch a delegation to Algiers to start discussions on this subject”. Similarly, The announcement arrives twenty-four hours after the retaliatory measures algeria attacking “privileges” french embassy decided by Emmanuel Macron against the Algerian authorities. Consequently, accused of blockages in the migratory file and security issues.

“Introduce balance. However, reciprocity” – Algeria attacking "privileges" french embassy

According to a dispatch from Algeria Press Service (APS) dating from March, France rents at very advantageous prices, 61 goods in Algeria, including 18 hectares for the French Embassy and 4 hectares for the ambassador’s residence in Algiers. Still according to the APS. the rent for the embassy is “insignificant” and that of the residence called “the olive trees” was of a “symbolic franc”, remained “unchanged between 1962 and August 2023”.

“Algerian diplomatic representation in France does not have any advantage of this same nature,” said Algiers. “Consequently. the Algerian action thus decided aims to introduce balance and reciprocity into the global Algerian-French relationship” points out the ministry.

Algiers also denounced the bilateral agreement of 2013 on the exemption of short stay visas for holders of diplomatic passports and service (civil or military agents, with spouses and children). Unlike the “formal” suspension of this agreement by France – in reality already applied since May – the Algerian decision is final. specifies International mail. As of now, the French concerned will be subject to a visa request to travel to Algerian territory. Algiers also reserves the right to apply to its own nationals the same conditions imposed by Paris. in the name of the principle of strict reciprocity.

A stormy relationship

Relations between Paris and Algiers have been at its lowest since July 2024. The crisis was marked by expulsions of diplomats. officials on both sides and by a freezing of all official cooperation. The Algerian algeria attacking “privileges” french embassy authorities have also been denouncing a series of unbalanced agreements inherited from the post-independence for a long time.

France has also attracted the wrath of Algerian power. for more than a year, after the recognition of Western Sahara as a Moroccan territory. Consequence: cooperation is increasingly difficult, especially on migration issues. The French authorities. the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau in mind, criticize, among other things, in Algeria the numerous refusals to admission of some of his nationals expelled from French territory.