The French National Assembly recently voted to end a key agreement. The 1968 French-Algerian agreement grants Algerian citizens easier access to French residence and work permits.
The motion was proposed by the far-right National Rally (RN). Conservative lawmakers backed it, marking a parliamentary first for Marine Le Pen’s party.
Lawmakers adopted the resolution by a narrow margin of 185 votes to 184.
Political Reactions
Marine Le Pen hailed the vote as a “historic day” for the RN. Despite lacking legislative power, she urged the government to consider the vote’s implications.
“We believe there is no longer any justification for maintaining this convention,” she stated.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, strongly criticized the vote. He accused the far-right of perpetuating historical conflicts.
He stated, “Shame on the RN.”
Previous Recommendations
A French Senate report in February also suggested the agreement’s termination. The report cited recent developments in Algerian-French relations.
The report urged renegotiations with Algeria. The aim was to rebalance the special residency permit system established in 1968.
Potential Impacts
Algerian analyst Oualid Kebir outlined potential negative consequences for Algerians. Students, retirees, and workers could be affected especially as Algerians form the largest foreign population in France.
Kebir noted the move could embarrass the French government. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve relations with Algeria.
He also suggested the Algerian government could exploit the situation. This could be portrayed as a pivotal moment in Paris-Algiers relations.
Escalating Tensions
France and Algeria have seen increasing tensions regarding migration. Algeria has declined to accept over 100 nationals facing deportation from France.
France has been tightening travel conditions for Algerian dignitaries for months.
President Emmanuel Macron urged stricter actions against Algeria in August. He cited a lack of cooperation from Algerian authorities.
“The Algerian authorities have made the deliberate choice not to respond to our repeated calls over recent months to work together in the interest of our two nations.”
Further tensions arose from the imprisonment of French Algerian author Boualem Sansal. He received a five-year sentence for supporting Morocco’s territorial integrity.
