French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has hinted at the possibility of resigning from his position if he is forced to compromise on the Algerian issue, as Algeria refuses to repatriate its irregular nationals living in France.
In an interview with the newspaper Le Parisien, Retailleau stated that he would continue his mission as long as he believes he is “useful and has the necessary resources at his disposal.” However, he added, “If I’m asked to compromise on this fundamental issue for the safety of the French people, I will, of course, refuse.”
He emphasized the significance of this matter to him. Retailleau advocated for a “graduated response” approach toward Algeria: “If they refuse to take back their dangerous nationals, we will initiate a graduated response. But if Algeria honors the agreements made in 1994 (in addition to the 1968 agreement), the issue will be resolved.” The French minister’s statement comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two nations.
The French government had previously released an initial list of around 60 Algerian nationals it seeks to deport, labeling them as “dangerous.” However, Algeria’s refusal to accept these deportees—including the perpetrator of an attack in Milan on February 22 that left one person dead—has intensified the strain between the two countries. Retailleau, who is also a candidate for the presidency of the right-wing Republican party, has faced accusations of adopting hardline stances for electoral gain.
Recently, Franco-Algerian relations have grown increasingly strained due to several disputes, including France’s decision to expel a number of Algerian immigrants accused of “inciting violence” and “disturbing public order”—claims Algeria has dismissed. The imprisonment of writer Boualem Sansal has further escalated the crisis.
