Retailleau’s victory may deepen strains in Franco-Algerian relations

Bruneau Retailleau’s recent election as the new leader of France’s right-wing Republican Party does not bode well for the future of Franco-Algerian relations, according to the Arab Weekly.

Retailleau, who also serves as France’s Interior Minister, is known for his hardline stance on immigration—an approach that Algeria has frequently criticized as inflammatory. Algerian officials have accused France’s right-wing factions of fueling diplomatic tensions.

The diplomatic strain escalated in March when Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced he would only engage directly with French President Emmanuel Macron. This move came amid disputes over the attempted deportation of undocumented Algerians in France and the imprisonment in Algeria of Boualem Sansal, a well-known writer with dual French and Algerian citizenships.

Tebboune’s refusal to work with Retailleau was seen as a pointed snub, reflecting deepening tensions between the two countries. Relations have deteriorated to a historic low, marked by reciprocal expulsions of diplomats. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot recently described the bilateral ties as “totally blocked” during an interview on French television.

Although Retailleau’s Republican Party and its allies currently hold only a small share of seats in the national assembly, political analysts suggest the party’s growing momentum could position it strongly for the 2027 presidential election, when President Macron’s term ends.

“Our political family is now able to carry our project forward for the presidential election,” Retailleau said in a statement to broadcaster TF1 following his victory.

The worsening relationship between France and Algeria could have serious consequences. With deep economic, social, and security ties—and nearly 10 percent of France’s 68 million citizens having connections to Algeria—any diplomatic breakdown could reverberate widely, officials warn.