French Senate Recommends Revisiting the Migration Agreement with Algeria

A report presented to the French Senate on Wednesday proposes steps to repeal the 1968 migration cooperation agreement between France and Algeria. This initiative, described as a « provocation » by Socialist senators, comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

Franco-Algerian relations have deteriorated since Paris expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, leading to an unprecedented diplomatic crisis.

The report, part of an inquiry launched in spring 2024 on international migration agreements, calls for rebalancing the special residency and movement system granted to Algerians in France. It also warns of the consequences of failed negotiations and suggests terminating the agreement if no satisfactory solutions are reached.

This recommendation has sparked strong criticism, particularly from the French left. Corinne Narassiguin, a Socialist representative on the committee, called it a “useless provocation” that does not serve the interests of either nation.

Despite opposition from the left, the report has received support from the right-wing and centrist majority in the Senate. This move aligns with the stance of Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has expressed his desire to renegotiate the 1968 agreement, calling it « outdated » and unsuitable for the current situation.