Segolene Royal rejects the “France 2” investigation and describes it as directed and insulting to Algeria – Algerian Al-Hiwar newspaper

In an interview with Algerian television, Ségolène Royal, President of the “France-Algeria” Association, revealed the reasons that prompted her to refuse to participate in the investigation broadcast by “France 2”, considering it an act offensive to Algeria and of a clear political nature.

Royal explained that she was invited to participate in the “Red Chairs” segment shown at the conclusion of the report, but due to the sensitivity of the topic, she stipulated that she had read the content of the report before broadcasting it. After watching it, she explicitly expressed her refusal to appear in it, stressing that she could not give legitimacy to a work that completely offends Algeria, nor contribute to promoting it or raising its viewing rates, especially since her name might be exploited to attract the public.

The spokeswoman added that she expressed her position in writing, considering what was contained in the report completely unacceptable, and wondering about France’s reaction if Algerian public television had carried out a similar investigation into French President Emmanuel Macron, in reference to the absence of professionalism and media standards at work.

She also pointed out that the preparation of the report began during Rutayo’s tenure as Minister of the Interior, which, in her opinion, makes its targeted nature unsurprising. She explained that the objectives of the report become clear through its attempt to delegitimize elected officials with dual citizenship, relying on anonymous testimonies.

Ségolin-Royal confirmed that there is no evidence to support the allegations promoted by the report, stressing that consulates’ communication with their nationals in various countries of the world is a normal practice, and cannot be considered interference as depicted in the report.

She concluded by saying that what is happening falls within a clear effort based on sowing doubt and poisoning the public debate about the elected dual citizens, considering that the timing of the report’s broadcast, just two months before the municipal elections, is not a coincidence.