Didier Raoult praises Algerian researchers, discusses professional relations

French microbiologist Didier Raoult, former director of IHU Méditerranée Infection in Marseille, recently spoke about his professional experiences, highlighting the significant role of Algerian researchers and interns at his institution. He stated that over a hundred Algerians have worked or interned at his facility over the years. Raoult claimed to have better working relationships with Algerians than with Parisians, describing his Algerian collaborators as serious and dedicated. He also noted that veiled young women, who he believes are sometimes stigmatized, distinguish themselves through their competitiveness and quality of work. These remarks have generated considerable discussion, both supportive and critical, on social media. Beyond individual interactions, Raoult offered a broader perspective on Algeria, describing it as a "young," "rich" country with substantial natural resources. He made a surprising comparison, stating that if he had to bet on the future development of several countries, including Japan and South Korea, he would choose Algeria. These statements come as Raoult remains associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, during which he was a prominent scientific figure. He advocated for hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment, a stance that garnered significant media attention and public support but was largely disputed by the scientific community due to insufficient evidence of its efficacy. This period solidified Raoult's image as an influential and controv