France Makes Unilateral Concessions to Algeria on Visas, Analyst Says

France's ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, has signaled a desire to significantly increase visa issuance to Algerian citizens, aiming to return to the pre-2021 level of 250,000 visas per year. This initiative is widely interpreted as a strategic move by French President Emmanuel Macron, who reportedly seeks to mend strained relations with Algeria and avoid concluding his presidential term amidst diplomatic failures.

Historian Pierre Vermeren suggests that this decision represents a unilateral concession from France, made in response to what he describes as an "inflexible regime" in Algeria. The ambassador's statement, made during an interview with the Algerian media outlet TSA, is viewed not as an independent initiative but as the execution of President Macron's directive. "The ambassador is merely the interpreter of the president's will," Vermeren stated.

This policy shift marks a reversal from the decision made in 2021, when France halved the number of visas granted to Algerians. After years of diplomatic stalemate, the current move aims to restore the previous visa quota. Vermeren posits that this decision is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing tensions between the two nations, including the imprisonment of a French journalist in Algeria.

The article suggests that Macron's administration is making these concessions to improve the bilateral relationship, which has been described as "pathological" by Vermeren in his recent book. The move appears to be an attempt to de-escalate tensions and achieve a more stable diplomatic footing before the end of Macron's current term.

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The ambassador is merely the interpreter of the president's will.