“We cannot remain under the influence of this convention signed in 1968 in another context,” insists the former Prime Minister.
In 1968, France and Algeria signed an agreement that favored Algerian nationals, compared to other foreigners, in terms of stay and employment on French soil. Since then, the agreement has been revised three times but the main principles and exceptions to common law have been maintained. In the immigration bill, it is also stipulated that Algerians are not concerned. “We cannot remain under the influence of this convention signed in 1968, in another context,” contests Édouard Philippe, former Prime Minister and mayor of Le Havre, Monday, November 13 on franceinfo.
The president of the Horizons group indicated that, personally, he “thinks that this regime no longer has any justification”, particularly due to the “nature of relations” between France and Algeria. “The tension which prevails in general should lead us to no longer accept an outdated legal system, and which we must return to,” believes the former Prime Minister.
He notably denounced the fact “that French companies in Algeria cannot bring back their capital” and the reinstatement in the national anthem “of words explicitly directed against France”. He insisted: “France does not have to become the variable for adjusting Algeria’s internal policy. ” Édouard Philippe therefore wishes to “normalize our relations with Algeria”. “ I am not asking for a more difficult regime, I am asking for common law, and that anything that is more favorable than common law can be reversed.”
Édouard Philippe has not confirmed that the deputies of the Horizons group (majority) will vote on the text which will be tabled next month by Les Républicains. “When it comes to foreign policy, I am attached to the Gaullist heritage. I think it is up to the President of the Republic to take this initiative,” concludes Édouard Philippe.
