Alexandre Chauveau, edited by Solène Leroux
modified to
7:03 p.m., August 24, 2022
Emmanuel Macron begins a very important visit on Thursday aimed at normalizing the still tumultuous relations with Algiers. Last year, the two countries suffered a serious diplomatic crisis. This visit also has an important economic dimension, particularly around gas.
President Emmanuel Macron leaves Thursday for Algeria for three days. A very important visit aimed at normalizing the always tumultuous relations with Algiers. Last year, the two countries suffered a serious diplomatic crisis, with the recall of the Algerian ambassador to France for three months or the reduction of 50% of visas granted by Paris to Algerians. This visit also has an important economic dimension, particularly around gas, and the political stakes are numerous.
Emmanuel Macron especially wants to revive the relationship with his counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune after a crisis of several months. So, if the Élysée is talking about a visit focused on youth and innovation, it is indeed the question of immigration that will be at the heart of this trip, in particular that of the increase in the number of visas that Paris says it is ready to deliver in exchange for the granting of consular passes by Algiers, essential sesame to allow the return of illegal Algerians expelled from French territory.
Limit Russian influence
Another issue: the question of memory, a few months after the commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the Evian agreements. Emmanuel Macron wants to continue his business of appeasement of memories. He will be accompanied by historian Benjamin Stora, author of a report on the subject.
Finally, on the diplomatic level, Emmanuel Macron wants to try to counter Russian influence in Algeria. A political, economic and especially military influence, while Algiers and Moscow recently carried out joint maneuvers on the border with Morocco. Algiers is also a power that counts in the Sahel, a leading subject for the French head of state a few days after the withdrawal of the Barkhane force in Mali.