A Hostile French Deep State Campaign Targeting Algeria: Sarkozy’s Allegations Unveiled
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS, August 22, 2023 – Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s claims of a hostile French deep state campaign against Algeria have sparked a heated debate in international circles. As his forthcoming book, “Le Temps des combats” (Éditions Fayard), approaches its release date on August 22, Sarkozy has made contentious remarks about Algeria, igniting a controversy over the true nature of Franco-Algerian relations.
In a candid interview with the French media outlet Le Figaro, Sarkozy expressed his discontent with the apparent “Algerian tropism” in current French foreign policy. He contends that Algeria’s leadership habitually employs France as a scapegoat to deflect from their domestic challenges and seeks to establish an “artificial friendship” that only serves to undermine French interests. He further alleges that this focus on Algeria risks alienating Morocco, a key regional ally.
Sarkozy’s accusations, however, have not gone unchallenged. Experts and analysts alike question the accuracy of his assertions, arguing that Algeria’s growing prominence on the global stage indicates strategic diplomatic efforts, rather than a bid to exploit France’s vulnerabilities.
Algeria’s Diplomatic Ascension:
Contrary to Sarkozy’s claims of Algeria’s insincerity, the country has been making significant strides in international affairs. Notably, Algeria has secured pivotal strategic agreements with major global powers, including China, Russia, and the USA. These agreements signal the country’s intent to diversify its diplomatic alliances, strengthen its economy, and reduce its reliance on France.
President Tebboune’s recent interview with Algerian media underscored Algeria’s commitment to substantive state visits, highlighting that these diplomatic overtures are characterized by tangible economic agreements and technology transfers. This strategy aims to secure Algeria’s long-term development and diminish its historical economic disparities.
Erosion of French Influence:
Contrary to Sarkozy’s claims that focusing on Algeria undermines France’s international influence, recent geopolitical developments suggest a different narrative. France has encountered challenges in maintaining its influence, particularly in the Sahel region. With setbacks in countries such as the Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, France’s grasp on the region appears to be weakening.
The Algerian approach, characterized by strategic international partnerships and growing diplomatic support, seems to be winning favor on the global stage. France’s perceived inability to preserve its interests in the Sahel region has not only damaged its geopolitical standing but has also drawn attention to its past practices in the exploitation of African resources.
Sarkozy, in the Wake of the French Deep State’s Hateful Campaign against Algeria
The release of Nicolas Sarkozy’ statements in the pages of media outlet Le Figaro comes as no surprise, given its alignment with the agenda of the French deep state. This influential network within the French establishment has yet to come to terms with its inability to maintain control over Algeria, a nation that has asserted its sovereignty since the election of President Tebboune in December 2019. A recent exposé by Algérie54, titled “Algerian-French Rapprochement: Autopsy of a Plot,” shed light on the concerted efforts of figures such as Ciotti, Dati, and Sarkozy to sabotage any attempts at constructive engagement between Algiers and Paris. The deep state’s divisive maneuvers have stymied the potential for mutually advantageous relations between the two nations.
Former French Ambassador to Algiers, Xavier Driencourt, raised his voice against this concerning trend. In his scathing analysis entitled “Emmanuel Macron’s Algerian Bet: Illusions, Risks, and Errors,” Driencourt underscored the detrimental impact of Macron’s pro-Algerian stance on relations between France and Morocco. This misguided approach, driven by an Algerian bias, strained regional ties and exacerbated tensions. It’s evident that Sarkozy, the forthcoming author of “The Time of the Fights,” has not been dedicated to fostering a relationship that aligns with the genuine aspirations of the Algerian and French populations.
Sarkozy’s historical track record underscores his inclination towards damaging actions. As early as 2007, shortly after assuming power in France, he unilaterally discarded the Treaty of Friendship between Algeria and France, an accord painstakingly championed by his predecessor Jacques Chirac. This maneuver cleared the path for his ill-conceived “Union for the Mediterranean,” a project that proved catastrophic for countries like Libya, which was subjected to a NATO invasion endorsed by Sarkozy. The ripple effects extended to Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt, destabilizing the region under the guise of the “Arab Spring.”
Beyond mere political maneuvering, Sarkozy’s history is stained by incendiary rhetoric and divisive actions. He emerged as a key figure in the highly controversial events of October 2005, when his derogatory remarks sparked widespread outrage. In the aftermath of the tragic deaths of two teenagers, Sarkozy referred to youth from marginalized neighborhoods as “scum,” igniting three weeks of intense riots. The consequences were staggering: nearly 10,000 vehicles were set ablaze, over 230 public structures were damaged or destroyed, and nearly 3,000 individuals were arrested, with a significant portion being minors.
In the evolving landscape of Franco-Algerian relations, Sarkozy’s role remains one of contention, marked by a persistent alignment with detrimental policies and an inclination toward divisive rhetoric. The shadow of the deep state’s covert machinations looms large, and as these dynamics unfold, it is imperative to critically examine the impacts of such actions on the regional stability and the prospects for harmonious relations.
Scandals in Spades: Unveiling the Dark Veil of Presidential Campaign Financing
The annals of political history are often tainted with the ink of scandal, and one name that resonates with controversy is that of Nicolas Sarkozy. His journey through the corridors of power is riddled with a litany of scandals that have rocked not only France but also the international community. Among the notable chapters of this saga is the gripping tale of the 2007 presidential campaign financing. The dark clouds of suspicion loom large over the Libyan funding that propelled Sarkozy into the Élysée Palace, encompassing what the media has dubbed the “Qatar Connection” scandal.
This shadowy financial entanglement not only cast doubts on the integrity of the democratic process but also set in motion a chain of events that would reverberate far beyond French borders.
The Libyan financing scandal, although shrouded in secrecy, has cast a long and menacing shadow over both domestic and international affairs. Its tendrils reached into the heart of the tumultuous Middle East, leaving behind a trail of consequences that are still felt to this day. The consequences of this misdeed were far-reaching, culminating in the tragic demise of Libyan leader Muammar El Gaddafi and the subsequent NATO intervention, plunging the region into a state of turmoil. The reverberations of this scandal extended even further, sowing instability in the Maghreb and Sahel regions, a fertile ground for radicalism and further discord. Sarkozy’s actions have left a lasting mark on the African continent, one that is marred by instability and uncertainty.
As the pages of time turned, Sarkozy’s involvement in a web of controversies continued to unravel. The “Qatar Connection,” a term coined by the media, further stained his legacy. The intricate interplay of finances and politics exposed the intricate dance between power and wealth, shaking the foundations of trust in the political establishment. The culmination of these missteps led to a courtroom, where on May 17, 2023, the gavel struck, pronouncing a three-year prison sentence, with one year to be served under the watchful gaze of an electronic bracelet. This fall from grace marked the zenith of Sarkozy’s tumultuous journey through power.
Translated with adaptation:
