Ségolène Royal, a former socialist presidential candidate, issued a pointed warning to French citizens on Wednesday, April 29th, about the significant risks of losing Algeria as a vital partner. Her caution directly addressed what she termed hostile campaigns by individuals nostalgic for the colonial era, which she believes are undermining France's interests. Royal made these impactful statements in an audio recording posted on her X account, which she specifically titled 'Why relations between Algeria and France must be calm.' This recording served as a direct appeal for a more constructive and respectful approach to bilateral relations.
The former candidate did not mince words, criticizing the "aggressive discourse" she observed as prevalent in the French political scene regarding Algeria. Royal stated, "It is your right to understand and to formulate your own views, far from those who still long for French Algeria, and have never accepted decolonization, and believe they can win some votes by appeasing those who long for French Algeria." She emphasized that France's enduring interest lies in building "win-win relations with Algeria," predicated on mutual respect and cooperation. Royal added, "Today, Algeria's neighbors have good relations with this country, which the Pope himself recently visited." She described this as clear evidence that "this country (Algeria) is not the caricatured image that some in France are trying to paint of it today, in a way that harms the interests of France and the French." Royal urged, "Therefore, we must not listen to the advocates of violence, chaos, destruction, and rupture." She concluded that "France's interest lies in understanding with its neighbor Algeria, our neighbor across the Mediterranean Sea, because we have a common history, often painful, but we owe it to the young generations to bear the responsibility of reconciliation."
Colonial Nostalgia Fuels Hostility
Ségolène Royal explicitly stated that individuals nostalgic for 'French Algeria' who have not accepted the end of colonialism are attempting to gain votes by appeasing others who share similar sentiments. Royal, who leads the France Algeria Association, an organization originally founded by General de Gaulle in 1963, has actively worked to foster stronger ties between the two nations. In her recent statements, she directly refuted narratives commonly presented by the French right and far-right regarding Algeria, which she views as detrimental to national interests. She attached her audio recording to an X post that specifically criticized former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, accusing him of orchestrating a "strategy of creating tension with Algeria," which she believes further exacerbates diplomatic strains.
Royal countered claims suggesting Algeria is isolated on the international stage, noting that the country receives frequent high-level visits, including a recent and significant one from the Pope, demonstrating its engagement with global leaders. She further noted that Algeria's neighbors maintain good and constructive relations with the nation, directly challenging the perception of its isolation. Royal also publicly pressured for French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin's scheduled visit to Algeria to proceed, noting that it was reportedly on the verge of cancellation. She showed the importance of such diplomatic engagements to maintain open channels of communication and cooperation.
Economic and Security Stakes
It is unequivocally in France's interest to cultivate mutually beneficial relations with Algeria, according to Ségolène Royal. She stated that such an approach would significantly assist Paris in achieving key objectives, including the effective deportation of Algerian immigrants who have received expulsion orders from France. Royal added that a French minister making hostile statements against Algeria directly complicates this objective, hindering the necessary cooperation and progress on such sensitive issues. She also noted that the vital cooperation between Algeria and France in counter-terrorism efforts has become increasingly fragile, attributing this concerning decline to verbal aggression and repeated French provocations, which erode trust and collaboration.
Royal noted with concern that Italy has emerged as Algeria's primary economic partner, effectively surpassing France, particularly in critical sectors such as gas supplies. This significant shift, she explained, is largely due to Italy's consistent approach of engaging in dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding, a strategy she advocates for France. She further stated that these practices, characterized by a lack of respect from the French side, have directly contributed to a noticeable decline in energy sector cooperation between France and Algeria, impacting France's strategic energy interests. Royal herself undertook a diplomatic visit to Algeria at the end of January, showing the importance of direct engagement and dialogue with the North African nation.
Royal's Call for Reconciliation
Ségolène Royal issued a powerful call for urgent reconciliation to preserve France's remaining interests in Algeria, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action. The former socialist presidential candidate stressed that such a step is key to mitigate ongoing damage to bilateral relations, which she views as spiraling due to current French rhetoric and policies. This reconciliation, she argues, is not merely diplomatic nicety but a strategic imperative.
Royal warned of direct and tangible economic repercussions on the French economy if "adventurers" in France continue to attack Algeria with their hostile narratives. She indicated that escalating hostile rhetoric risks further alienating a key North African partner, potentially leading to a significant decline in economic cooperation and diminishing opportunities for French businesses and investments in Algeria. This perspective notes the tangible costs associated with sustained diplomatic friction, particularly as Italy has intensified its economic engagement with Algeria, demonstrating the potential for other nations to fill any void left by France. Royal's message serves as a stark reminder of the economic and strategic imperative for a shift in France's approach to its relationship with Algeria.