
Christophe Barthès, the RN mayor of Carcassonne, has refused to allow the Algerian consulate access to municipal premises for the upcoming Algerian legislative elections. The decision, announced on Thursday, June 11, 2026, follows a request from the Algerian consulate to set up polling stations for Algerian nationals residing in France. Barthès cited "particularly degraded relations" between Paris and Algiers, referencing the cases of Boualem Sansal and Christophe Gleizes, as reasons for his "assumed political choice." He stated that it would be inconsistent for Carcassonne to use its resources for elections organized by a state with strained relations with France. The mayor clarified that his decision does not target the Algerian community in his municipality but is directed at the Algerian authorities. This action adds to a series of controversial measures taken by Barthès since becoming mayor in March, including removing the European flag from the city hall and signing an anti-begging decree.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadMohamed Arkab, Minister of Hydrocarbons, hosted Cheikh Niang, Senegal's Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad, in Algiers. The meeting focused on strengthening economic and strategic ties between Algeria and Senegal, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Discussions covered the entire value chain, including exploration, production, field development, refining, and petrochemicals. Both ministers emphasized revitalizing the partnership between Sonatrach and PETROSEN, building on an existing memorandum of understanding to explore new investment opportunities. With recent hydrocarbon discoveries, Senegal aims to leverage Algerian expertise to develop its industry. Cooperation will also include training and knowledge transfer between the Algerian Petroleum Institute IAP and its Senegalese counterpart to qualify local personnel. Arkab highlighted Algeria's commitment to African cooperation and South-South partnerships, in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's directives. He stressed the importance of increased exchanges and coordination within the African Petroleum Producers' Organization APPO to enhance the continent's energy security. Niang expressed Senegal's strong interest in Algeria's experience, acknowledging Sonatrach's recognized expertise and reaffirming Senegal's commitment to expanding energy cooperation with Algeria.

Volotea, a low-cost airline, is expanding its presence in the Algerian market by introducing new routes connecting Spain and Algeria. The airline announced a new direct flight from Murcia to Algiers, scheduled to begin on November 28, 2026. This temporary service will operate until January 5, 2027, with two flights per week using Airbus A320 aircraft. Bookings for these flights will open in early November. Additionally, Volotea will inaugurate a direct route from Valencia to Algiers, with its inaugural flight also on November 28, 2026. The Valencia-Algiers route will initially operate three times a week throughout December, with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Following two additional rotations in early January 2027, a regular flight schedule for the Valencia-Algiers route will commence on March 30, 2027, with two weekly flights until the end of October 2027.
Must ReadThe 2026 World Happiness Report, supported by the UN, assesses citizen satisfaction in over 140 countries, considering six key factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and political transparency. In Africa, the top 10 happiest countries exhibit diverse strengths. Mauritius 73rd globally, Libya 81st, and Algeria 83rd lead the continent, with Mauritius benefiting from stability and governance, Libya from strong family solidarity, and Algeria from subsidized social protection. Other countries in the top 10 include Mozambique 93rd with community cohesion, Gabon 96th due to oil wealth, Côte d'Ivoire 98th with economic growth, and Cameroon 100th with a diversified economy. South Africa 101st faces challenges from inequality and unemployment, while Niger 103rd demonstrates happiness through local solidarity, and Tunisia 105th is affected by a tense socio-economic context. The report emphasizes that happiness is not solely tied to wealth, as countries with modest economies can rank highly due to strong community support, trusted institutions, and family ties. The 2026 edition also examines the impact of social networks on youth well-being.