French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced that Paris will reassess its 1968 migration agreement with Algeria, which had previously made it easier for Algerians to settle in France.
This decision follows months of pressure from Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, a hardline opponent of immigration, who accused Algiers of attempting to “humiliate” the French people.
Comprehensive Review of Immigration Agreements
Bayrou stated that his government will spend the next six weeks reviewing all immigration agreements between France and Algeria since Algeria gained independence in 1962.
As part of this review, the French government plans to present Algeria with a list of Algerian nationals residing in France who Paris wants to deport.
Tensions Escalate After Stabbing Incident
Relations between the two countries deteriorated further after an undocumented Algerian national, reportedly suffering from schizophrenia, carried out a knife attack in Mulhouse, near the German border. The attack left one person dead and six others injured.
Interior Minister Retailleau revealed that the suspect was already under an OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory) deportation order, but Algeria had repeatedly refused to take him back.
Retailleau accused the Algerian government of deliberately trying to “humiliate” France by refusing deportation requests.
The review of the 1968 pact and other immigration agreements is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
