The French “MEDAF” movement… efforts to break the stalemate in relations between Algeria and France! – New Algeria

Active French circles are trying to play a mediation role to revive the project Algerian-French relationswhich has witnessed an unprecedented deterioration for more than two years, driven by numerous disagreements and tensions over common issues and files, in conjunction with systematic hostile campaigns launched by French parties targeting Algeria, including the issue of immigration, visas, security and consular cooperation, all the way to the file of common historical memory. After a series of escalating disputes that brought bilateral relations to a dead end, the French institutions movement “MEDAF” announced an upcoming meeting of its members on February 17, in the presence of the “unwanted” French ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet, to discuss ways and mechanisms to restore momentum to the economic partnership that brings together… Algeria and France.

A statement by the French professional organization “MEDAF”, published on its website, stated that “the recent bilateral visits of senior officials in the two countries testify to a gradual improvement in French-Algerian relations, which would create a positive climate for economic dialogue and the launch of concrete projects that serve the business communities in both countries,” adding in this regard that “the upcoming meeting aims to review the path of political improvement that has begun between France and Algeria, while highlighting its positive repercussions on business relations, in addition to presenting economic opportunities.” And the current and future investment in Algeria, as well as the conditions for accessing the market, leading to discussing the organization of an upcoming visit by “MEDAF International” to Algeria, within the framework of a business mission.”

The French MEDAF movement’s statement addressed the level of cooperation and economic partnership existing between Algeria and France, which it described as “strong and active,” while considering Algeria a major economic partner for France, saying that “if the bilateral political relationship between France and Algeria has passed, since the summer of 2024, a phase of acute tension, business relations between the two countries remain solid, supported by the strong presence of business communities on both shores of the Mediterranean, and historical economic ties.” And structurally,” adding in this context that “trade relations between the two countries remain active, as French exports to Algeria exceeded 5 billion euros in 2024.” Algeria, according to the same statement, is also a major economic partner for France in North Africa, as it provides important prospects in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, food industries, manufacturing, and health, in addition to digital and environmental transformation, in light of a context of economic reforms and a clear will. To diversify the Algerian economy.” He continued by saying that “Algeria is the third largest economy in Africa after Nigeria and South Africa, with a nominal GDP of (GDP) about 260 billion euros (2024), with a growth rate of 3.7% and a dynamic internal market of more than 47 million people.

French reports reveal the extent of the great difficulties and complications that Paris will face if its dispute with Algeria continues, warning that Paris will be the biggest loser in the process, especially since its imports of Algerian fuel amount to 5 billion euros, while 5 billion euros also represent the value of French exports to Algeria, which may also be affected by retaliatory measures. She also indicated that the rift between Algeria and Paris may lead to increased tension in French-Algerian relations, especially on the economic level, as Algeria remains a strategic economic partner, and is the third largest supplier of fuel to France, with about 11 billion euros in trade exchanges during the year 2024, which will make it difficult for France to dispense with it. The same reports also said that “France’s economic interests in Algeria are not limited to trade exchange only; hundreds of French companies have settled there, including several major groups included in the index.” CAC 40Such as the energy companies Engie and Total Energies, and banks such as Natixis Bank, Société Générale, and BNP Paribas, as well as the pharmaceutical Sanofi and other French companies that have been active for many decades in Algeria.

Algeria had previously withdrawn its ambassador to Paris, Said Moussi, in August 2024, in protest against France’s departure from its neutrality in the Western Sahara issue, and considering Morocco’s alleged autonomy plan “the only solution” to the conflict. In April 2025, France, in turn, summoned its ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet, to Paris for consultations, following a severe crisis characterized by the mutual expulsion of diplomatic officials.

Recently, Algeria declared the French ambassador, Stephane Romatet, “persona non grata” against the backdrop of statements he made during a television program in France that addressed Algerian-French relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the “France 2” program in which the French ambassador appeared was a fabric of lies and slander, and represented an attack on the Algerian state, its institutions and symbols. Subsequently, the Ministry summoned the French Chargé d’Affaires in Algiers to protest the broadcast of the program, pointing out the responsibility of the official French channel and its guardian, and that this behavior would not have occurred without the support or official silence of the French authorities, which is considered a violation of international norms.

Abdo.H