President Tebboune Speaks Candidly: A Blunt Assessment of Franco-Algerian Relations and Global Affairs

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 3rd, 2025 — In a forthright and unfiltered interview with the French daily L’Opinion, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed a broad spectrum of pressing national and international issues, reaffirming his steadfast commitment to Algeria’s sovereignty and strategic interests. True to his reputation, the Head of State evaded no question, delivering a series of candid assessments on Franco-Algerian relations, historical memory, migration, security cooperation, and regional geopolitics, including the Western Sahara and Palestine.

Denouncing a Systematic Smear Campaign and Political Manipulation

President Tebboune did not hold back in his criticism of the systematic smear campaign orchestrated by certain French right-wing and far-right factions against Algeria. Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating climate between Algiers and Paris, he remarked, “We are wasting time with President Macron,” underscoring the stagnation in bilateral relations despite repeated diplomatic engagements.

In a scathing critique of French domestic policies, he accused France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau of staging a political maneuver by enforcing the expulsion of Algerian influencer “Doualemn.” Moreover, he condemned Paris for granting nationality and asylum to Algerian white-collar criminals and subversive elements, further fueling tensions between the two nations. He also lambasted the instrumentalization of the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreements, which he described as a “hollow shell used to rally extremists, much like the era of Pierre Poujade.”

The Boualem Sansal Affair: Due Process Will Prevail

On the case of controversial writer Boualem Sansal, President Tebboune reaffirmed that Sansal remains in communication with his family, is receiving necessary medical care, and will face trial “within the designated timeframe.” Hinting at the gravity of the accusations against Sansal, he cryptically remarked, “This is a problem for those who created it. He has yet to reveal all his secrets.”

France’s Nuclear Legacy and the Imperative of Historical Truth

In a pointed call for transparency, President Tebboune insisted that nothing should be swept under the rug regarding France’s colonial-era nuclear tests in Algeria. He reiterated the urgent need for the decontamination of the affected sites, framing it as an “imperative on humanitarian, moral, political, and military grounds.” According to him, the responsibility now lies squarely with the Élysée, warning that failure to address these issues could push Franco-Algerian relations towards an “irreparable separation.”

A Clear Stance on the Western Sahara and Palestine

Turning to regional affairs, President Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s unwavering support for the Sahrawi cause, revealing that he had explicitly warned President Macron against shifting France’s long-standing position on the Western Sahara dispute, calling such a move a “grave mistake.”

On Palestine, he left no room for ambiguity. Algeria remains committed to its historical position: “We would be ready to normalize relations with Israel the very day a Palestinian state is established.” This unyielding stance reinforces Algeria’s role as a vocal advocate for Palestinian self-determination amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Arab world.

No Political Longevity: Tebboune on His Future in Power

When asked about his political future, President Tebboune dispelled any speculation about clinging to power. “I have no intention of remaining in office indefinitely. I will respect the Algerian Constitution,” he asserted, reinforcing his commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order.

A Defining Moment in Algeria-France Relations

President Tebboune’s unfiltered remarks underscore a pivotal moment in Algeria’s relationship with France. His forthright approach signals Algeria’s insistence on balanced, respectful ties—free from historical burdens, political manipulation, or undue interference. As the ball now lies in France’s court, the coming months will determine whether Paris responds with genuine engagement or allows the rift to deepen into a permanent estrangement.

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