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TALKS UNDER PRESSURE DIPLOMACY IN SHADOW OF ESCALATION

SPECIAL COVERAGE | THE PAKISTAN MEDIATION: DIPLOMACY IN THE SHADOW OF WAR

Washington - Tehran : Diplomacy under pressure

DAY 13 OF ESCALATION IN MIDDLE EAST: WHAT COMES NEXT?

French Foreign Minister To A Le Pen’s Party MP: “You Are Obsessed With Algeria”

Algeria was dragged early into the propaganda campaign of the French far-right in anticipation of the upcoming presidential elections, causing trouble for Emmanuel Macron’s administration, which rushed through its Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, to accuse this political current of being “obsessed with Algeria”, in response to a parliamentary question regarding recent statements by the French ambassador about the number of visas granted to Algerians. Despite admitting to reducing the number by 20%, the French government, under pressure from deputies of Marine Le Pen’s extremist party, rushed to distance itself from the decline in the number of visas granted to Algerians, and attempted to justify this decline by the repercussions of the political and diplomatic crisis that has plagued bilateral relations since 2024, and the resulting mutual expulsion of consular staff. In a premature election campaign on the backs of Algerians, Edwige Diaz, a member of Parliament and vice-president of the National Rally party, claimed in her question to the French Foreign Minister “that 40% of Algerians over the age of 15 do not work, do not study, and are not retired”, and represent “43% of those who receive medical care at the expense of the French government”. The French minister perceived an unjustified prejudice by the vice-president of the National Rally party against Algerians, responding to her by saying: “You are obsessed with Algeria and Algerians…”, he also defended the steps being taken by the French government regarding pending issues with Algeria, including the case of the citizen Christophe Gleizes, who is serving a seven-year prison sentence due to his involvement in cases related to supporting and praising terrorism. In the briefing provided by the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, last Tuesday before the members of the French National Assembly (the lower house of parliament), he said that the number of visas granted to Algerians decreased by 20% since 2024, which corresponds to the beginning of the crisis caused by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, by his decision to support the Moroccan regime’s occupation of Western Sahara. Jean-Noel Barrot explained: “Regarding the issue of visas, I would like to start by saying that since the outbreak of the crisis with Algeria, the issuance of visas has decreased by 20%, last year compared to the year before, and this is primarily due to the restrictions imposed by the Algerian government on our diplomatic network”. The French official added: “Since then, we have engaged in a new dynamic with the Algerian authorities, in the service of the interests of France and its people, as we have interests to defend in matters of migration, security, and the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism. There are no specific numerical targets, as our policy is not based on quantity or quotas, but on assessing how to protect our interests. Re-engaging with Algeria is a gradual and reversible process, and depends on the results we achieve”. The head of French diplomacy attributed this decrease in granting visas to what he described as “the strict decisions taken by the Algerian government against our diplomatic network. But apart from that, we have not set specific numerical targets. Our policy is not based on quantity or quotas, but on an assessment of our interests and the evolving relationship”. The percentage of decline in the number of visas granted to Algerians constitutes one-fifth of the total number, as the number decreased from 250,000 visas per year to only 200,000, which is a large figure that cannot be justified by the expulsion of a number of French consular staff working in Algeria, or by the withdrawal of the French ambassador, because the three consulates (Algiers, Annaba, and Oran) continued their work normally without harassment. Confirming the lack of credibility of those statements, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, had previously called for reducing the number of visas granted to Algeria by 30%, before the outbreak of the crisis over the French position on the Western Sahara issue, which indicates that the justifications provided by the master of the “Quai d’Orsay” palace remain mere words.

New French Provocation Threatens Fragile Rapprochement with Algeria

French authorities have once again demonstrated that they are not genuinely committed to pursuing a path of de-escalation with Algeria or restoring bilateral relations, which have been mired in an unprecedented political and diplomatic crisis for nearly two years. Recent actions by officials in Paris—widely seen as enjoying the backing of the Élysée Palace—suggest a recurring pattern of undermining positive momentum whenever signs of reconciliation begin to emerge. The latest episode centers on the administration of French President Emmanuel Macron, which continues to pursue policies viewed as favoring certain partners in the western Mediterranean over others, while showing little regard for Algeria’s geopolitical interests. This approach comes despite France’s awareness of the sensitivity of the issue and its potential consequences for relations that have only recently shown signs of recovery. Shortly after presenting his credentials on July 1, and even before receiving formal approval from the Moroccan royal palace to officially assume his duties, France’s newly appointed ambassador to Morocco, Philippe Lalliot, traveled to the occupied Western Sahara city of Laayoune. The visit is expected to cast a shadow over the tentative rapprochement achieved between Algeria and France in recent months. شاهد المحتوى كاملا على الشروق أونلاين

French Minister of Moroccan Origin Risk Deepening Tensions with Algeria

The French government has found itself embroiled in yet another political controversy, this time triggered by reckless and irresponsible remarks made by Overseas Territories Minister Naïma Moutchou, who also holds Moroccan citizenship. In a striking stance for a member of the French government. Moutchou called for distinguishing between the Algerian people and the Algerian government—a political and diplomatic misstep that is likely to further strain already troubled bilateral relations. Speaking on a talk show broadcast jointly by CNews and Europe 1 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Moutchou was asked about “the dispute with Algeria” in relation to immigration. She replied: “I don’t like that characterization because it lumps the Algerian people together with the Algerian government. I prefer to use the term “the Algerian regime”,referring to the issue of undocumented Algerian migrants. Moutchou originated from Ouarzazate, in southern Morocco, and holds both Moroccan and French citizenship. This dual nationality raises questions about her remarks on Algeria, suggesting they could have been influenced (misinformation) by the Moroccan regime, whose diplomatic relations with Algeria remain severed. The French minister of Moroccan origin also rejected comments made by France’s ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, who had spoken of plans to increase the number of visas issued to Algerian nationals to 250,000 annually. Moutchou dismissed those remarks, saying they reflected the ambassador’s own views rather than any policy under consideration by the French government. Although she distanced herself from the agenda pursued by former right-wing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, arguing that it had proven unsuccessful, Moutchou did not rule out a return to a tougher approach in relations with Algeria. In doing so, she appeared to go beyond the more conciliatory rhetoric adopted by other ministers in Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government. She also referred to negotiations with Algeria extending beyond the readmission of Algerian nationals facing deportation from France to include the revision of the 1968 Franco-Algerian migration agreement. The article argues that Moutchou’s remarks closely mirrored recent attacks on the French ambassador to Algeria following his comments on visa policy. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, National Rally president Jordan Bardella, and Bruno Retailleau, leader of the Republicans party, had accused President Emmanuel Macron’s administration of yielding to Algeria. Those criticisms also prompted Benjamin Haddad, France’s Minister Delegate for Europe, to publicly distance himself from Ambassador Romatet’s remarks. In an interview with LCI, Haddad likewise rejected the ambassador’s statements, saying: “Let’s be clear: there are no numerical targets, quotas or defined roadmap regarding visas currently under discussion. As for Algeria, we have one of our citizens, Christophe Gleizes, who must be reunited with his family. Those are the clear priorities guiding our relationship with Algeria.” The French official also sought to avoid questions about whether the ambassador might face disciplinary action over his visa comments, instead emphasizing broad policy objectives such as defending France’s interests pragmatically, deporting undocumented migrants, combating drug trafficking, securing the release of Christophe Gleizes, and strengthening cooperation on security matters. For the first time in months a minister in Sébastien Lecornu’s government has made remarks viewed as provocative toward Algeria. The government had previously identified de-escalation as one of its priorities, abandoning the hard-line approach associated with the previous interior minister under the now-defunct François Bayrou government, suggesting that France may now be entering a new phase of escalation unless it chooses to distance itself from Moutchou’s comments. Moutchou’s statements were a blatant interference in Algeria’s internal affairs—an issue that has frequently provoked strong reactions from Algerian authorities. Her Moroccan nationality is likely to intensify that reaction, potentially leading to another setback in bilateral relations. Her remarks came at a time when Algeria has been strengthening ties with European countries seen as rivals to France, including Germany and Spain, following earlier progress with Italy, suggesting that Moutchou’s comments could be interpreted as a sign of French frustration, although it is France itself who chose to align with the Moroccan regime.

French Minister of Moroccan Origin Risk Deepening Tensions with Algeria

The French government has found itself embroiled in yet another political controversy, this time triggered by reckless and irresponsible remarks made by Overseas Territories Minister Naïma Moutchou, who also holds Moroccan citizenship. In a striking stance for a member of the French government. Moutchou called for distinguishing between the Algerian people and the Algerian government—a political and diplomatic misstep that is likely to further strain already troubled bilateral relations. Speaking on a talk show broadcast jointly by CNews and Europe 1 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Moutchou was asked about “the dispute with Algeria” in relation to immigration. She replied: “I don’t like that characterization because it lumps the Algerian people together with the Algerian government. I prefer to use the term “the Algerian regime”,referring to the issue of undocumented Algerian migrants. Moutchou originated from Ouarzazate, in southern Morocco, and holds both Moroccan and French citizenship. This dual nationality raises questions about her remarks on Algeria, suggesting they could have been influenced (misinformation) by the Moroccan regime, whose diplomatic relations with Algeria remain severed. The French minister of Moroccan origin also rejected comments made by France’s ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, who had spoken of plans to increase the number of visas issued to Algerian nationals to 250,000 annually. Moutchou dismissed those remarks, saying they reflected the ambassador’s own views rather than any policy under consideration by the French government. Although she distanced herself from the agenda pursued by former right-wing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, arguing that it had proven unsuccessful, Moutchou did not rule out a return to a tougher approach in relations with Algeria. In doing so, she appeared to go beyond the more conciliatory rhetoric adopted by other ministers in Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government. She also referred to negotiations with Algeria extending beyond the readmission of Algerian nationals facing deportation from France to include the revision of the 1968 Franco-Algerian migration agreement. The article argues that Moutchou’s remarks closely mirrored recent attacks on the French ambassador to Algeria following his comments on visa policy. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, National Rally president Jordan Bardella, and Bruno Retailleau, leader of the Republicans party, had accused President Emmanuel Macron’s administration of yielding to Algeria. Those criticisms also prompted Benjamin Haddad, France’s Minister Delegate for Europe, to publicly distance himself from Ambassador Romatet’s remarks. In an interview with LCI, Haddad likewise rejected the ambassador’s statements, saying: “Let’s be clear: there are no numerical targets, quotas or defined roadmap regarding visas currently under discussion. As for Algeria, we have one of our citizens, Christophe Gleizes, who must be reunited with his family. Those are the clear priorities guiding our relationship with Algeria.” The French official also sought to avoid questions about whether the ambassador might face disciplinary action over his visa comments, instead emphasizing broad policy objectives such as defending France’s interests pragmatically, deporting undocumented migrants, combating drug trafficking, securing the release of Christophe Gleizes, and strengthening cooperation on security matters. For the first time in months a minister in Sébastien Lecornu’s government has made remarks viewed as provocative toward Algeria. The government had previously identified de-escalation as one of its priorities, abandoning the hard-line approach associated with the previous interior minister under the now-defunct François Bayrou government, suggesting that France may now be entering a new phase of escalation unless it chooses to distance itself from Moutchou’s comments. Moutchou’s statements were a blatant interference in Algeria’s internal affairs—an issue that has frequently provoked strong reactions from Algerian authorities. Her Moroccan nationality is likely to intensify that reaction, potentially leading to another setback in bilateral relations. Her remarks came at a time when Algeria has been strengthening ties with European countries seen as rivals to France, including Germany and Spain, following earlier progress with Italy, suggesting that Moutchou’s comments could be interpreted as a sign of French frustration, although it is France itself who chose to align with the Moroccan regime.

Algeria And Spain Officially Turn The Page On The Crisis Following Sanchez’s Visit To Algeria

Algerian-Spanish relations are heading towards further strengthening after the visit led by the President of the Madrid Government, Pedro Sanchez, on Monday to Algeria, thereby formalizing the end of a short-lived crisis between the two countries. These developments occurred in a context characterized by Algeria bolstering its relations with major European countries such as Germany, alongside a noticeable deterioration in the relationship with France. Less than a decade ago, relations between Algeria and Paris were ahead of other European capitals, and at that time, French interests were prioritized over those of other European Union member states. However, the acceleration of events since 2019 shuffled the deck in a scene where the data was turned upside down due to what the Algerian side considers repeated French provocations that counter Algeria’s geopolitical interests. This factor contributed to reaching the current situation, marked by the Algerian authorities’ decision to restructure their foreign policy to accommodate their vital interests. Hence came the vitality characterizing Algeria’s relations with its European neighbors, and the visit of the Spanish Prime Minister is but one stage of this new orientation. In the view of the diplomat and former official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mustapha Zeghlache, Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Algeria is considered a culmination of the two countries’ success in overcoming a crisis that proved over time to be fleeting. The Sahrawi issue was at the heart of that crisis, which has become a thing of the past with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s announcement of preparations to hold the 8th session of the Algerian-Spanish High-Level Meeting next October. The Spanish government’s decision to support the autonomy plan in Western Sahara triggered the dispute between the two countries in 2022. However, the Spanish side, which was under great pressure from the Moroccan regime (referring to opening access points for illegal migrants), according to Mustapha Zeghlache, knew how to get out of that predicament after it later decided to bind the Spanish decision to what international laws and norms dictate, unlike other neighboring countries that still view the autonomy plan submitted by the Moroccan regime in 2007 as the one and only solution, bypassing the relevant United Nations resolution. Mr. Mustapha Zeghlache told “Echorouk” that “some are trying to cast doubt on the Spanish position regarding the Sahrawi issue and are trying to target relations with it, but Madrid’s position on this issue has become clear and stable for some time. It has confirmed on more than one occasion that it stands with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions, and that it does not view autonomy as the only solution, which is a balanced position that cannot be disparaged.” The retired diplomat believes that the Spanish side’s position involves a great deal of moderation and rationality, which contributed to lowering tensions. This led to limiting the repercussions of the diplomatic rupture on commercial and economic relations, from which both sides suffered but to varying degrees. He noted that Spain will gain much, just as Italy and Germany did before it, from this rapprochement, because the potential Algeria possesses and the privileges it offers to its reliable European partners (the three countries), especially after the Russian war on Ukraine, cannot be provided by any other country in North Africa, and herein lies Algeria’s uniqueness. The biggest loser in the equation of Algerian rapprochement with major EU countries remains France, which placed all its eggs in the Moroccan regime’s basket. Mr. Mustapha Zeghlache noted the significant decline of French interests in Algeria with the emergence of new competitors such as China, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Spain. This is likely to make Paris lose some of the privileges its companies enjoyed in Algeria compared to companies from other European countries, while conceding that not much remains of the relations between Algeria and Paris except for the human aspect, referring to social ties (the Algerian community), which are considered remnants of the colonial era. Due to French positions with uncalculated consequences, Mustapha Zeghlache did not rule out that Paris would suffer the loss of its remaining interests in Algeria, which are no longer beyond the energy sector, which Italy, Spain, and Germany seem to have monopolized, taking advantage of the specific circumstances. This is a reality the French side bears, as it did not play the de-escalation card well, which is no longer on the agenda for the time being, with the return of French provocations starting from the statements of the French Prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, from Rabat last week regarding the Sahrawi issue.