The French presidency revealed on Tuesday its decision to recall its ambassador to Algeria “for consultations,” reflecting the escalating tensions between the two countries in recent days. Paris, in a statement, described Algeria’s decision to expel 12 employees from its embassy as “unjustified and incomprehensible,” remarking that this action “disregards basic legal procedures” concerning diplomatic relations.
In response to this move, France confirmed that it would expel 12 employees from the Algerian consular and diplomatic network, considering this decision a direct reaction to Algeria’s recent action. Paris stressed the importance of resuming dialogue between the two nations, stating that “it is in the interest of both France and Algeria to resume dialogue for the sake of bilateral relations.”
On its part, Algeria defended its “sovereign” decision to expel the French embassy employees on Monday evening, clarifying that the decision was taken due to the “provocative actions” of French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau against a consular employee from Algeria in France. Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that this step was taken “sovereignly” after the public and humiliating arrest of an Algerian consular employee in France on April 8, 2025, which was described as a “blatant violation” of diplomatic agreements.
The Algerian statement further said that the “disgraceful action” taken by the French authorities aimed to “insult Algeria” without regard for diplomatic treaties and international conventions. Algeria also confirmed that the 12 employees expelled from its embassy and consular missions in Algeria are affiliated with Algeria’s Ministry of the Interior and must leave the country within 48 hours.
This diplomatic tension between France and Algeria follows a series of incidents that have cast a shadow over their relations, making it necessary to intensify efforts to restore balance in bilateral dialogue between Paris and Algiers.