🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
Ségolène Royal criticizes France's declining influence in Algeria
via Algérie3602 min read
Ségolène Royal, president of the Franco-Algerian Friendship Association and a French political figure, has strongly criticized France's foreign policy towards Algeria. In a post on X, the former minister described Paris's approach as "catastrophic diplomacy," stating that France is progressively losing its economic and strategic positions to other European powers. Royal highlighted the dynamic economic relations between Algeria and several European capitals, citing major contracts in energy and public works with Italy, and the signing of around thirty agreements during an Algerian visit to Germany, covering strategic areas like green hydrogen and the automotive industry. She also mentioned the anticipated visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Algiers for new bilateral projects. According to Royal, France is being "replaced" on the continent, having lost influence in the Sahel and Francophone Africa, and now seeing its businesses decline in Algeria. She noted a clear weakening of industrial, agricultural, construction, and port management partnerships for French entities, while competing European companies expand their activities. Royal deplored that internal political controversies in France regarding Algeria obscure "strategic realities." She called for overcoming these divisions to rebuild a balanced relationship with countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, advocating for diplomacy based on mutual respect and shared interests. Looking ahead to the 2
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Algeria's Civil Protection reported 69 new wildfires as of Sunday at 1:00 PM, with 26 remaining active across 13 wilayas. Skikda is the most impacted, with nine ongoing fires. Béjaïa and Guelma each have three active fires, while Mila has two. Annaba, Souk Ahras, Tizi Ouzou, Bordj Bou Arreridj, El Tarf, Jijel, Sétif, Tiaret, and Relizane each report one active fire. In Annaba, fires are advancing in Séraïdi, threatening a village, with three AT-802 water bomber aircraft supporting firefighters. Béjaïa sees fires in Toudja and Aokas, where multiple villages are at risk, also requiring water bomber intervention. Skikda's firefighters are battling blazes in Aïn Kechra and Chéraïa, with three AT-802 planes deployed to protect homes. Ground operations continue in Sidi Mezghiche, Zitouna, and Aïn Cherchar. Guelma's Medjez Amar fire threatens homes, prompting Oum El Bouaghi wilaya to send nine reinforcement vehicles. In Souk Ahras, a fire in Aïn Zana is spreading along the Tunisian border, with a BE-200 Canadair assisting. Tizi Ouzou's Amsouhal fire continues to affect Ighil Aklimane village. High temperatures and dry vegetation are contributing to the spread of fires, complicating containment efforts. The Civil Protection urges vigilance and prompt reporting of any fire outbreaks. Separately, the Civil Protection also reported a tragic incident in Tamanrasset where a concrete wall collapse inside a house in Hai Essalam killed two children, aged 1 and 6. A 40-year-old woman sustaine
Must ReadThe Trump administration is exploring a proposal to require a $100,000 bond from foreign nationals applying for a Green Card through U.S. consulates. This sum would only be reimbursed after obtaining U.S. citizenship, a process that takes a minimum of five years. The measure is primarily expected to affect families of U.S. citizens, including spouses, parents, and siblings. The State Department confirmed it is examining this option, though without a specific timeline. The proposed bond aims to ensure financial self-sufficiency among immigrants, with the amount potentially varying. A State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, stated that President Trump has made it clear that those wishing to immigrate to the U.S. must be financially autonomous. The administration plans to pilot the program in a limited number of countries before wider implementation. Sharvari Dalal-Dheini, Director of Government Relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, criticized the proposal, suggesting its true purpose is to exclude certain immigrants and create a "pay-to-play" system where only the wealthy can afford to immigrate.
Must ReadStatements by the French Ambassador to Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, suggesting a return to 250,000 annual visas for Algerian nationals have sparked controversy in France. Right-wing and far-right politicians, including Bruno Retailleau, have criticized the idea, with Retailleau linking visa issuance to the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes. The Quai d'Orsay, France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has since denied any specific numerical targets for visa issuance, stating that while relations with Algiers are being re-engaged, they are guided solely by France's interests. The ministry clarified that the visa issue is not central to current discussions and no numerical objective has been validated. Before a diplomatic crisis, France issued approximately 250,000 visas annually to Algerians, a number that significantly decreased during the two-year period of strained relations. Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe, reiterated that there is no numerical objective, quota, or trajectory being discussed regarding visas. He emphasized that French diplomacy prioritizes France's interests, including migration, security, combating drug trafficking, and the case of Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist imprisoned in Algeria. Haddad stated that any progress in relations would be conditional on concrete results, and the visa issue would be addressed later in a pragmatic and reversible manner.