French politician Ségolène Royal strongly criticized France's anti-Algeria rhetoric during a September 7 appearance on BFM TV, attributing it to lingering colonial influences and political exploitation. Royal stated, "All Mediterranean countries get along with Algeria, except France, because we are still prisoners of neo-colonial remnants, revenge, and political exploitation." She lamented, "People who do not know this country, which is undergoing great development," are fueling the stance.
Royal noted the economic impact, noting, "French industrialists are desperate about what is happening, and what they are suffering today." She emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, "We belong to the Francophone space, and we must get along with our neighbors. This is the simplest principle of peace in the world." Royal questioned missed opportunities, asking, "Don't you think that, given the sharp rise in gas prices that the French have recently suffered, we could have established smart commercial relations with Algeria to significantly reduce the price of gas?" She further inquired, "Don't you think that our industrialists, within the framework of the existing partnership with Algeria, are losing their positions to others?" Royal concluded, "This is unbearable. We are harming ourselves."
Diplomatic Missteps and Missed Opportunities
Ségolène Royal, a candidate for the 2027 socialist presidential primaries, noted recent diplomatic engagements by other nations with Algeria. Royal referenced Pope Leo XIV's visit to Algeria in April and German Foreign Minister Johann Fadiol's visit at the beginning of September. She noted that while countries like the United States and Germany are undertaking projects with Algeria, France continues to offend the nation, harming itself. Royal stated, "We are harming ourselves."
Royal argued that France should understand its neighbors within the Francophone space for the sake of peace. She explained that "We belong to the Francophone space, and we must get along with our neighbors. This is the simplest principle of peace in the world." Royal’s comments emphasized a perceived disconnect in French foreign policy compared to other international actors.
Economic Consequences for France
Ségolène Royal stated that she is in contact with the French-Algerian Chamber of Commerce, reporting that French industrialists are in despair over the current situation. She raised questions regarding the potential for France to have established "smart commercial relations with Algeria" to significantly reduce gas prices for French consumers, particularly in light of recent price increases. Royal also suggested that French industrialists are losing their market position in Algeria to competitors, despite the existing partnership between the two countries.
Royal's Vision for Future Relations
Ségolène Royal outlined her approach to Franco-Algerian relations should she achieve power in the future. Royal, a potential candidate for the 2027 socialist presidential primaries, indicated that her administration would pursue a measured and constructive policy toward Algeria. She stated that if she were to reach power in 2027, she would implement a "calm policy" with the North African nation. This proposed shift contrasts with what Royal described as France's current "anti-Algeria stance," which she attributes to lingering colonial influences and political exploitation. Her vision emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence and strategic partnerships within the Francophone space, suggesting a departure from the present diplomatic friction. Royal has previously noted the economic disadvantages France faces due to its strained relations with Algeria, advocating for improved commercial ties to benefit French industries and consumers.
Broader Context and Colonial Echoes
Ségolène Royal asserted that "All Mediterranean countries get along with Algeria, except France, because we are still prisoners of neo-colonial remnants, revenge, and political exploitation." She argued that France's current anti-Algeria stance is driven by these lingering issues, contrasting it with the approaches of other nations in the region.
