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Algeria’s Boycott of French Goods Gains Momentum

In recent days, a campaign to boycott French products has stirred up social media in Algeria. Fueled by escalating political and diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Paris, this initiative is gaining momentum, mobilizing thousands of internet users.

The rise of this campaign coincides with recent diplomatic incidents. At the heart of this movement are hostile statements from some French officials and political figures. In recent weeks, allegations targeting Algeria have been broadcast in French media, highlighting disagreements on issues related to immigration, human rights, and shared history. These discourses, often laden with critical rhetoric, have been strongly rejected by parts of Algerian society. These events have been perceived as insults by some in Algerian society, triggering a wave of criticism on social media.

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Calls for a boycott, mainly spread on X (formerly Twitter), denounce what is perceived as a “diplomatic war” waged by France against Algeria. Internet users are posting lists of well-established French brands in Algeria, affecting sectors like clothing, food, and electronics.

Massive Digital Mobilization

The popularity of the campaign relies on social media’s ability to unite and mobilize quickly. Hashtags have proliferated, accompanied by sharp messages and engaging visuals. Some internet users are calling for a boycott of “everything French” in response to actions perceived as hostile from Paris.

However, reactions vary. While a majority of participants support these calls, some highlight the practical and economic limitations of such a boycott. Pharmaceutical and medical products, for example, are rarely mentioned in these campaigns due to their strategic and indispensable nature.

Similar Precedents

This is not the first time Algeria has seen calls for boycotting French products. In 2021, tensions erupted after statements by French President Emmanuel Macron accused Algeria of building its legitimacy on a “memorial narrative.” Similar campaigns were launched at that time, but their real impact on consumer habits remained limited.

However, this new initiative seems to occur in a more tense context, where bilateral economic relations face additional challenges.

Economic Consequences

While the economic impact of a boycott is hard to quantify, some signs indicate a slowdown in trade relations between the two countries. According to a report from the French newspaper Le Figaro, Algerian wheat imports from France have drastically dropped from 1.6 million tons per year to just 31,000 tons recently. This decline primarily benefits exporters from the Black Sea region.

In the automotive sector, activities of the Renault manufacturer in Algeria are on hold. Its Oran plant, once a major player in the local market, is still awaiting the necessary permissions to resume production.

However, not all sectors are affected equally. The trade in Algerian liquefied natural gas to France continues to grow, and French exports to Algeria have seen an 8% increase in recent months. These figures indicate that, despite the tensions, some economic ties remain strong.

A Symbol of Economic Sovereignty

Beyond diplomatic considerations, this campaign highlights a growing desire for economic diversification in Algeria. Many participants call for reducing dependence on French products and favoring alternative partners. This aspiration fits into a broader dynamic aimed at strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty in the face of sometimes perceived imbalanced relations.

While the actual effectiveness of a boycott remains to be demonstrated, the movement illustrates a popular will to influence bilateral relations. It might also pave the way for broader discussions on the role of economic exchanges in diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, this digital campaign continues to generate buzz, sparking debates and controversies, both on the local and international stage.

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