The relationship between France and Algeria has become very complicated in recent months. The President of Algeria decided to visit France in 2023 but has canceled this plan, and no new dates have been announced. One of the political experts, Jean-Noel Ferrie, said that France always wanted to improve its partnership with Morocco rather than Algeria. This effort by France makes relations between the two nations more tense.
On November 7, Algeria refused to accept fake news about stopping trade with France. However, France media reported that Algeria is making plans to prevent imports and exports with France. On this news, Algerian officials said all these claims are false. Furthermore, Algeria is considering other ways to reduce its ties with France. The nation decided to take action after the visit of Macron to Morocco on October 28. This is fueling the ongoing rivalry between Algeria and Morocco.
The history of the strained relationship between these two nations started with France’s colonization of Algeria and the violent war for independence. This conflict ended in 1962. Algeria claimed that France was not fully aware of the disasters of this period. However, President Macron is making efforts to improve the relationship, but progress has been very slow.
In 2023, trade activities between the two countries are very strong, approximately €11.8 billion. Beyond this, political tensions remain high. Algeria got angered when they learned about France’s recognition of Morocco’s control over Western Sahara in 2023. This news forced Algeria’s president to cancel his visit to France.
France’s strict immigration politics and close partnership with Morocco have worsened the situation. These actions have left Algeria feeling isolated and deepened the two countries’ mistrust.
Ferrie believes that it is good for France to stay away from the rivalry between the two nations, Algeria and Morocco. This is because France is a non-African nation. According to him, President Macron’s attempts to improve partnership through “memorial politics” have failed. This failure is due to Algeria’s new government that runs under the leadership of military forces.
Western Sahara is the main issue between Algeria and Morocco. Ferrie also said that it is impossible to solve this dispute. The reason behind this conflict is that Morocco insists on its claim over the region, while Algeria strongly opposes Moroccan control.
Algeria faces many complexities, although it is Africa’s largest nation and the 3rd largest Arab nation. A 2024 World Bank report highlights its heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues and government spending.
Ferrie also notes that Algeria remains isolated internationally and has not made the most of its resources. For example, it was left out of the BRICS expansion at the 2023 summit in South Africa.
Furthermore, youngsters in Alageria are in serious trouble. Their future is not secured in their own country. The natural resources of Algeria are indeed very rich, but the unemployment rate is very high here. The unemployment rate was 12.7% in 2023. Overall, the young generation of this nation feels hopeless about their prospects.
According to French-Algerian students, every single visit to Algeria explores the growing living costs and very few healthcare services. This situation makes it very difficult for people to live their lives here with ease.
Interestingly, France is no longer the first choice for young Algerians seeking a better life. Social media shows them that France is also facing economic problems. Instead, they now prefer countries like Canada. Many young Algerians are learning English instead of French, reflecting a generational change. They also don’t care much about Algeria’s political issues with France; they are more focused on finding better opportunities elsewhere.
