Algiers – A recent sovereign ruling in Algeria has injected renewed tension into Algerian-French relations, threatening to derail efforts towards a more stable and cooperative future. Observers of strategic and diplomatic affairs note that the brief period of optimism following President Macron’s remarks at the G20 summit, where he spoke of building a “calm relationship for the future” with Algeria, has quickly encountered fresh obstacles.
At the heart of the issue is the case of French journalist Christophe Glez, whose conviction on charges related to national security has become a focal point of contention. While both Algiers and Paris were seemingly preparing for a new chapter based on trust-building and enhanced security and economic cooperation, the Glez case has been seized upon by elements within the French far-right, effectively transforming it into a platform for political pressure.
Experts suggest that these interventions are not isolated incidents but are directly linked to partisan and electoral calculations within France. Any potential rapprochement between Algeria and France is being exploited as leverage by the French far-right to sway public opinion, particularly in the lead-up to upcoming local, European, and presidential elections. Algeria, therefore, risks becoming a pawn in France’s internal political struggles.
Observers note that while President Macron appears to be genuinely pushing for a new era of openness, as evidenced by his G20 remarks acknowledging the need to “correct many things” in the bilateral relationship, his efforts remain vulnerable to domestic political pressures, especially from far-right factions. The conviction of Glez, therefore, presents a significant challenge to Macron’s vision.
Professor El Aid Zeghlami, a lecturer at the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences and a political analyst, commented that despite Macron’s political will, the underlying tensions in Algerian-French relations have never truly dissipated. The Glez affair has simply brought these simmering issues back to the forefront, placing the relationship at a critical juncture.
DZWatch will continue to monitor developments in this evolving situation.
