{"id":14448,"date":"2025-03-19T10:51:22","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T10:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/?p=14448"},"modified":"2025-03-19T10:51:22","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T10:51:22","slug":"france-vs-algeria-leverage-pressure-tactics-and-potential-retaliation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/2025\/03\/19\/france-vs-algeria-leverage-pressure-tactics-and-potential-retaliation\/","title":{"rendered":"France vs. Algeria: Leverage, Pressure Tactics, and Potential Retaliation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Watan<\/strong><\/em>-Under the headline \u201cParis-Algiers: How Far Can the Escalation Go?\u201d, the French newspaper L\u2019Opinion reported that while France has a range of retaliatory measures to pressure Algeria into compliance, Algeria also has the means to respond.<\/p>\n

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The newspaper explained that tensions between Paris and Algiers are escalating after Algeria refused to accept a list of 60 of its nationals slated for deportation from France. This led French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to announce on Monday evening the activation of a \u201cgradual response,\u201d which could push the two countries into a diplomatic and political escalation with unpredictable consequences.<\/p>\n

Tensions have risen in recent weeks as the French Interior Minister pressures Algeria to accept the return of its nationals subject to French expulsion orders (OQTF). The situation became more complicated following the arrest of writer Boualem Sansal on November 16 and further escalated after an attack in Mulhouse, France, on February 22, which resulted in one fatality and was carried out by an Algerian national whom France had unsuccessfully attempted to deport.<\/p>\n

\"France
Algeria-France tensions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

France’s Proposed Retaliatory Measures<\/h3>\n

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau swiftly responded. Sources close to him stated on Tuesday that discussions are underway between the Ministries of the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Transport. One of the first measures being considered is revoking the 2007 visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders from both countries.<\/p>\n

In practice, France has already denied entry to three Algerian diplomats, including Abdelaziz Khalaf, the former director of the presidential office. Additionally, a meeting was held at the French government headquarters on Tuesday to define the details of a “gradual response,” according to L\u2019Opinion.<\/p>\n

A confidential memo revealed by the French weekly La Tribune Dimanche outlined several potential retaliatory actions, including:<\/p>\n