Recent reports suggest a surge in anti-Algeria sentiment within French media,particularly those associated with the Bolloré group. According to TSA Algeria, this trend intensified following the appointment of Bruno Retailleau as Minister of the Interior in September 2023, preceding France‘s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in July 2024. Diplomatic tensions have risen, marked by events such as the arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem at Algiers airport in November 2024, reciprocal diplomatic actions, and controversies involving influencers like Amir Boukhors, also known as Amir Dz.

An unnamed Franco-Algerian elected official stated, “To exist politically in France, we must attack Algeria and Muslims.” They allege that Bruno Retailleau, backed by the right, the extreme right, and factions within Emmanuel Macron’s renaissance party, is orchestrating this. A specialist in Franco-Algerian relations noted the dwindling support for pro-algerian voices, saying, “When it comes to Algeria, there are very few voices that dare to bring contradiction to those who attack it. Pro-Algerians have become very minority.” MP sabrina Sebaihi echoed these concerns in an interview with the Algeria Union’s YouTube channel, stating, “Whenever we try to approach certain subjects, it is extremely complicated, and even more when it comes to Algeria.”

Political Motivations and Support

Retailleau reportedly justifies his stance by citing Algiers’ refusal to repatriate its nationals subject to mandatory departure orders (OQTF). He is allegedly supported by those nostalgic for French Algeria and figures openly opposed to Algeria,including some Franco-Algerians. A Franco-Algerian specialist in relations between Paris and Algiers explained, “People hostile to Algeria are now talking about an overdraft, the media opened the doors to them, which was not the case before. These people are joined by the opportunists who try to use Algeria to exist politically.”

“To exist politically in France, we must attack Algeria and muslims.”

Lobbying Influence

The specialist further suggests that pro-Moroccan and pro-Israeli lobbies have joined this alleged campaign. He claims,”In France,anti-algerian software is maintained by hostile lobbies who seek in particular to influence Algeria’s position on the Palestinian issue.” He pointed to figures like Olivier Pardot, lawyer for Benyamin Netanyahu, and Éric Zemmour, who has reportedly called Algeria “of Iran of Maghreb” country every day,” while also expressing support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.