French Senate Debate Reveals Growing Anxiety Over Algeria-Italy Wheat Partnership

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

French Concerns Surge as Italy Expands Agricultural Investments in Algeria, Threatening France’s Market Share

Algiers, Algeria | February 18th, 2025 —  In an intense and revealing debate in the French Senate, concerns over Algeria’s burgeoning agricultural partnership with Italy were laid bare, with French politicians expressing palpable unease about the implications for France’s market position in Algeria, particularly regarding wheat production. The debate, which took place on February 12, 2025, highlighted France’s growing apprehension over Algeria’s collaboration with Italy, especially in the field of wheat production and dry legumes in the southern regions of Algeria. The French political establishment has come to see this development as a direct challenge to its long-standing economic interests in the North African country.

Senator’s Alarm: Italy’s Agricultural Investments in Algeria a “Direct Threat”

The debate centered around the expansive agricultural investments Italy has made under its “Mattei Plan,” which involves the development of vast tracts of land in Algeria, specifically 36,000 hectares in the southern part of the country, dedicated to wheat cultivation. This initiative, which is part of Italy’s broader strategy to increase its footprint in Africa, is seen by French politicians as a significant blow to France’s market dominance in Algeria.

Senator Akli Mellouli, representing Val-de-Marne and of Algerian descent, was outspoken during the session. “The Italians are taking 36,000 hectares in southern Algeria to produce wheat. This will help Algeria achieve self-sufficiency, and the wheat will also be sent to Italy,” he explained. “This means that the amount of wheat we sell to Algeria will be much lower, and that’s a reality we must acknowledge.”

Mellouli’s words reflect a deeper concern that Algeria’s shifting allegiances in agriculture could undermine France’s position in the country’s markets, particularly as Algeria seeks to diversify its sources of wheat and food supplies. The senator also pointed out that the Italian involvement in Algeria is not just an economic matter but also a geopolitical one, with Italy’s investments signaling a shift in North African allegiances, away from France and towards Italy, which is rapidly expanding its presence in Africa.

Rising Tensions: France Risks Diplomatic Isolation

The senator’s remarks underscored the growing diplomatic isolation France risks facing if it continues to ignore Algeria’s strengthened ties with Italy. “We have competitors who are also our friends, but they are competitors nonetheless,” Mellouli warned. “If we fail to take the Algeria-Italy agricultural cooperation seriously, we could find ourselves isolated, not only from Algeria but also from other African countries.”

The discussion also touched on broader regional concerns, particularly France’s deteriorating relations with Algeria, Senegal, and other African nations. As anti-French sentiment rises across the continent, particularly in former colonies, France is facing increasing challenges to its traditional influence in Africa.

Adlan Mohamedi: A Cautionary Perspective on Franco-Algerian Relations

In response to Mellouli’s comments, geopolitical expert Adlan Mohamedi, who is of Algerian descent, provided a sobering analysis of the situation. He rejected the idea that France must choose between its relationship with Algeria and its relations with Italy, emphasizing that such a notion was “dangerous” and “diplomatically unfounded.”

Mohamedi reminded the Senate that France and Algeria’s relationship should not be viewed through a purely transactional lens. He highlighted the deep historical ties between the two countries, emphasizing that Algeria’s diplomatic and economic policies are shaped by its quest for independence and sovereignty—values that France must respect.

In discussing the Italian “Mattei Plan,” Mohamedi pointed out that it is named after Enrico Mattei, the influential head of Italy’s state-owned oil company ENI, who was a strong supporter of Algeria’s independence during its war with France. “The Mattei Plan has historical significance. It reminds us of Italy’s support for Algeria during its fight for independence, a contrast to France’s colonial history in the country,” he noted.

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