Algiers, December 17, 2025 – The Algerian Parliament has taken a significant step forward in its consideration of a law criminalizing French colonialism. The Speaker of the People’s National Assembly, Brahim Boughali, chaired a coordination meeting Wednesday with the heads of parliamentary groups to discuss the scheduling of the proposed legislation.
The meeting, according to a statement released by the Assembly, focused on “reviewing and discussing the various organizational and legislative aspects related to the scheduling of the two texts, ensuring their treatment within a framework of coordination and consultation among the various parliamentary groups, and in line with the national and historical importance of the two texts initiated by the members of the Assembly.” The second text mentioned is an amendment to the law concerning Algerian nationality.
During the session, Speaker Boughali emphasized the need to “intensify coordination and joint work between parliamentary bodies in order to ensure the success of the legislative process.” He also praised the role of the heads of parliamentary groups and their “commitment to promoting the image of the legislative institution and their interest in sovereign issues of national and historical dimension.”
The proposed law criminalizing colonialism is a highly sensitive issue with significant historical and political implications for Algeria. Its advancement through parliament signals a continued focus on addressing the legacies of the colonial era. The bill’s proponents argue that it is necessary to acknowledge the suffering inflicted upon the Algerian people during the period of French rule and to prevent any future attempts at foreign domination.
The debates surrounding this law are expected to be intense, reflecting the diverse perspectives within Algerian society on the complex relationship with its former colonizer. The outcome of the legislative process will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Algeria’s national identity and its foreign relations.
