French Senator Rachid Temal Commends President Tebboune’s Diplomatic Approach, Urges Macron to Act

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 11th, 2025 — In a striking critique of the current diplomatic impasse between Algeria and France, French Senator Rachid Temal has called on President Emmanuel Macron to take decisive action, warning against the influence of the far right on France’s foreign policy. Speaking in an interview with the news outlet “Tout sur l’Algérie,” Temal denounced the rhetoric of French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and the role of certain media organizations in exacerbating tensions between Paris and Algiers.

Temal, who also chairs the Algeria-France Friendship Group in the French Senate, praised Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s recent interview with the French newspaper “L’Opinion,” published on February 2. “President Tebboune’s approach was constructive and statesmanlike. He sought dialogue rather than rupture, which is of paramount importance. The worst scenario would be a complete breakdown in communication,” Temal emphasized.

However, the senator criticized the handling of the recent diplomatic dispute by French authorities, particularly the controversial deportation of an Algerian social media influencer, which he described as “an illegal act.” He noted that the French judiciary itself had ruled against the deportation, reinforcing his argument that the expulsion was a violation of legal norms. “Algeria did not seek to humiliate France. The operation was simply not legal,” he asserted.

Temal further lambasted the growing influence of the far right in shaping France’s foreign policy, particularly highlighting the role of billionaire media mogul Vincent Bolloré, whose channels, including CNews, have played a pivotal role in shaping public perception of Algeria. “French foreign policy is not dictated by Bolloré’s media empire. The government must reclaim its sovereignty in diplomatic affairs,” he warned, echoing President Tebboune’s own critique of Bolloré’s influence.

During his visit to Algeria on February 8-9, at the invitation of the Algerian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Temal had the opportunity to assess the country’s industrial strategy firsthand. “The visit was conducted in excellent conditions, and I observed a strong commitment from French business leaders to continue investing in Algeria,” he remarked.

Upon his return to France, Temal pledged to present a set of recommendations to his country’s authorities, advocating for a more pragmatic and mutually beneficial relationship with Algeria. He also vowed to challenge the negative portrayal of Algeria propagated by right-wing media, underscoring the need for a more balanced and realistic narrative.

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