The French Ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet, recently discussed the number of visas granted to Algerians, prompting internal debate within France. Former Ambassador to Algeria, Xavier Driencourt, stated that Ambassador Romatet acknowledged receiving a "mandate" from higher authorities to increase visa issuance. Driencourt indicated Romatet confirmed his goal to issue 250,000 visas from the three French consulates in Algeria. "With this seemingly innocent statement, the Ambassador acknowledged two things: first, he confirmed his goal of issuing 250,000 visas from the three French consulates in Algeria; second, he acknowledged receiving this mandate from the President (and therefore from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior) for this purpose," Driencourt said. He added, "These two statements are what exposed him to harsh criticism, as well as a correction from the Elysee Palace."
Details of the Visa Mandate
Former French Ambassador Xavier Driencourt has been presented as the source of political and media "bombshells," including the ongoing "visa" affair. The mandate given to Ambassador Stephane Romatet aimed to restore relations between Algeria and France and return the number of visas issued to Algerian citizens to pre-crisis levels. This involved a target of 250,000 visas annually. Driencourt stated that Ambassador Romatet acknowledged his goal of issuing 250,000 visas from the three French consulates in Algeria. The specific objective of the mandate was to put relations between the two nations back on the right track by normalizing visa issuance.
Driencourt further elaborated, stating, "With this seemingly innocent statement, the Ambassador acknowledged two things: first, he confirmed his goal of issuing 250,000 visas from the three French consulates in Algeria; second, he acknowledged receiving this mandate from the President (and therefore from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior) for this purpose. These two statements are what exposed him to harsh criticism, as well as a correction from the Elysee Palace." Despite the controversy, French authorities have not announced Ambassador Romatet's dismissal, nor has the Ambassador resigned from his post, indicating that while his public remarks were rebuked, his position remains unchanged.
French Internal Criticism Erupts
Former French Ambassador Xavier Driencourt confirmed that statements of this nature, especially regarding Algeria, cannot be issued by an ambassador without prior consultation with superiors in Paris. Driencourt stated, "With this seemingly innocent statement, the Ambassador acknowledged two things: first, he confirmed his goal of issuing 250,000 visas from the three French consulates in Algeria; second, he acknowledged receiving this mandate from the President (and therefore from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior) for this purpose. These two statements are what exposed him to harsh criticism, as well as a correction from the Elysee Palace." Driencourt emphasized that such declarations must always be referred back to his superiors in Paris before being made public, particularly when they concern a sensitive diplomatic relationship like that with Algeria.
Ambassador Stephane Romatet faced criticism from several French officials following his remarks. Among those who criticized him were Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad, Minister of Overseas Territories Naïma Moutchou, and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The backlash indicated a sensitive internal reaction to the ambassador's public declaration about visa targets, noting the delicate nature of Franco-Algerian relations within French political circles.
President Emmanuel Macron subsequently tasked government spokesperson Maud Bregeon with refuting the French Ambassador's statements during a cabinet meeting. This action by the President further showed the official disapproval of Ambassador Romatet's public comments on the visa mandate, signaling a clear effort by the Elysee Palace to distance itself from the ambassador's public pronouncements.
Algeria's Stance and Context
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that the controversy surrounding the French Ambassador’s comments on visas is an internal French matter. He clarified that Algeria holds no role in the statements made regarding visa policies. President Tebboune emphasized that the storm created by the French Ambassador’s statements about visas is a French-French matter, firmly asserting Algeria's non-involvement in the internal French debate.
The author of the book "The Double Blindness" questioned the heightened sensitivity surrounding the visa issue within Algeria, reflecting on why this particular topic draws such significant attention. Additionally, the Algerian community in France is recognized as the largest among all communities residing in France, a demographic fact that adds another layer of complexity to discussions involving visa policies between the two nations.