Algeria-France relations are once again under scrutiny, coinciding with internal political dynamics in France and Algeria’s steadfast adherence to its sovereign principles. The release of Boualem Sansal follows a request made by the German President to President Tebboune, signaling an attempt to de-escalate a months-long crisis and restore some warmth to a relationship strained by unresolved issues and recurrent tensions.
This move, while symbolic, has reopened the debate about the future of bilateral relations amid the complexities of the French political landscape, the rise of the far-right, and sensitive issues such as the recent vote in Paris to abolish the 1968 immigration agreement. Conflicting statements from French government officials, sometimes positive and sometimes accusatory, have further complicated the situation.
Strategic experts believe that while important, this step remains limited without a firm political will and a clear vision from the French side. The relationship between Algeria and Paris, burdened by a complex historical legacy and intertwined political, economic, and cultural ties, requires a new path of trust based on mutual respect and detached from short-term considerations and reactive measures.
Le Figaro newspaper viewed Sansal’s release not as a mere coincidence, but as a calculated political message that could help revive dialogue channels after months of stagnation. The newspaper suggests that Paris sees the move as a way to address thorny issues, including facilitating the movement of French citizens to Algeria, in exchange for Algerian cooperation on deportation issues and regulating the status of those subject to expulsion orders.
While a breakthrough is possible, the path remains complex. Sensitive issues remain unresolved, including the accreditation of new consuls, the fate of the detained Algerian consular employee in France, and other matters requiring delicate balancing.
