Emmanuel Macron corrects ambassador on Algerian visas, addresses controversy
via Algérie3602 min read
French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly corrected his ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, regarding statements about visa numbers for Algerians. Romatet had suggested a return to pre-crisis levels of 250,000 visas annually, which sparked a political and media outcry, particularly from the right-wing and National Rally parties in France, who denounced it as a "capitulation" to Algiers. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated that Macron clarified France has no numerical visa targets and is not lenient. She emphasized that France is engaged in significant work with Algeria but without specific visa quotas. Bregeon also recalled that Macron, upon taking office in 2017, decided to reduce visa numbers from 500,000 annually to align with France's needs and geopolitical realities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that visa numbers were never discussed in his talks with Algeria. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded to critics in the National Assembly, asserting that France's policy is based solely on national interest, not quotas, and noted a 20% drop in visas granted to Algerians in 2025 due to diplomatic tensions.
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