Dominique de Villepin Condemns French Government’s Provocative Stance on Algeria

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 20th, 2025 — Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister of France, has sharply condemned the French government’s handling of key diplomatic issues, particularly in regard to relations with Algeria. His remarks are a scathing critique of both the political discourse and the management of international relations in France, notably under the leadership of Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.

In an interview with Médiapart, which was broadcast on the media outlet’s YouTube channel, de Villepin expressed profound dismay at how significant diplomatic matters are being reduced to short, inflammatory messages on social media platforms, particularly Twitter. He singled out Retailleau for his provocative remarks about the 1968 agreement with Algeria, calling them not only reckless but also deeply disrespectful to the historical ties between the two nations. “What saddens me daily is how major diplomatic issues are treated today by French politicians, reduced to a few phrases on Twitter,” de Villepin lamented.

Referring to Retailleau’s call to denounce the 1968 accord, de Villepin asked, “Can we reduce the relationship with Algeria—one rooted in shared history, culture, geography, and people—to such a simple formula? What does that even mean? Should we annul the 1968 agreement? Is this how diplomacy is practiced? How can we conduct policy toward a country with which we have such deep and enduring connections?” These words reflect de Villepin’s disappointment at the erosion of serious diplomatic engagement and respect for history.

The former French foreign minister went further, criticizing the tendency among some French political leaders to engage in political rhetoric that serves only to gain short-term popularity. “Today, one cannot pretend to speak to the world with only the language of escalation,” he remarked. “It’s about pressing a button to say, ‘escalate.’ Exclusion, distancing, and asserting toughness are mere political markers in a society where one rises in opinion polls and social media metrics by using the right catchwords.” De Villepin’s comments underscore his belief that foreign policy should not be based on superficial, populist gestures but should reflect a deep understanding of historical context and mutual respect.

De Villepin’s staunch defense of Algeria comes amid rising criticism in France regarding the ongoing smear campaigns against the North African country. In recent weeks, voices from across the French political spectrum have rallied against the attacks on Algeria, especially from the far-right. Notably, a deputy from the “La France Insoumise” (LFI) party harshly condemned the provocations by Minister Retailleau, labeling him a “mediocre agitator” who indulges in racist rhetoric, including the derogatory remark about French-Algerians being “French on paper.”

Mathilde Panot, president of the LFI parliamentary group, sharply rebuked the Interior Minister during a debate on the French government’s policy, accusing him of perpetuating racial prejudice by labeling a segment of French citizens as “paper French.”

Catherine Tricot, director of the French journal Regards, also expressed dismay over Retailleau’s remarks, stating that France needs to “calm down” and reconsider its approach to global diplomacy. She urged for a more measured tone in addressing foreign relations, particularly with countries like Algeria, with which France shares a complex and painful history.

Ségolène Royal, former Minister for Ecology, further weighed in, reminding the French public of France’s “moral debt” to Algeria—an acknowledgment of the enduring scars left by colonial atrocities. Royal’s comments resonate in the current political climate, where the left-wing opposition and intellectuals alike are calling for a deeper reckoning with France’s colonial past and its ongoing impact on Franco-Algerian relations.

The left-wing party La France Insoumise ‘Unbowed France’ (LFI) has also joined the chorus of condemnation against French officials who have recently attacked Algeria. The party has consistently criticized the hostile rhetoric from the French government and its ministers, calling for a more respectful and constructive approach to diplomatic engagement.

The Federation Franco-Algerienne de Consolidation et du Renouveau (FFA) or ‘Franco-Algerian Federation for Consolidation and Renewal (FFA)’ has also expressed its strong indignation, condemning the ongoing media and political campaign against Algeria and its people. The FFA, representing Franco-Algerian civil society, has called for an end to the vitriolic rhetoric and demands a more responsible and empathetic approach to France’s relationship with Algeria.

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