French right-wing politician calls Algeria a “rogue state” as diplomatic tensions rise

This week French politician Eric Ciotti, leader of the Union of the Republican Right (UDR), described Algeria as a “rogue state” while criticizing French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s handling of the crisis with Algeria, describing it as a symbol “powerlessness.” It comes after Algeria refused entry last month to a deported TikTok influencer known as “Doualemn.” Also, this week Algerian Parliament Speaker Ibrahim Boughali called for the passing of a bill criminalizing French colonialism. It marks the first time a senior Algerian official has publicly advocated for the passage of a law criminalizing France’s 132-year colonial rule in Algeria (1830–1962).