France Demands Review of 1968 Agreements with Algeria, Sets Six-Week Deadline, Says PM François Bayrou

Paris, February 26, 2025 – French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced on Wednesday that France will urge the Algerian government to reassess the entirety of the 1968 agreements between the two nations, which he claims Algeria has failed to uphold. Speaking after an interministerial committee on immigration control (CICI) at Matignon, Bayrou set a deadline of “one month to six weeks” for Algeria to respond, amid escalating tensions over immigration and a recent deadly attack in Mulhouse.

Context of the 1968 Agreements

The 1968 agreements, signed following Algeria’s independence in 1962, govern bilateral relations, particularly on immigration, employment, and residency rights. They grant Algerians preferential treatment in France compared to other foreigners, reflecting historical ties. However, these agreements have become a flashpoint due to Algeria’s repeated refusal to accept the return of its nationals expelled from France.

Key Points of Bayrou’s Announcement

During a press briefing, Bayrou outlined the following measures:

1. Call for a Comprehensive Review: France will request Algeria to “reexamine the entirety of the agreements and how they are implemented,” setting a deadline of one to six weeks.
2. Urgent List of Individuals: France will present Algeria with an “urgent list” of individuals deemed “particularly sensitive” who must be allowed to return, likely referring to irregular migrants.
3. Potential Denunciation: If Algeria fails to respond adequately, Bayrou warned, “There is no doubt that denouncing the agreements would be the only possible outcome,” though he emphasized this is not France’s desired path.
4. Balanced Tone: Bayrou stressed there is “no intention of escalating or overbidding,” but insisted that Algeria’s refusal to readmit its nationals is “a direct breach of the agreements” France cannot tolerate.
5. Visa Policy Audit: Bayrou announced an “interministerial audit” on France’s visa issuance policies, tasked to the General Inspectorates of Police and Foreign Affairs, signed on Tuesday evening to assess and potentially tighten procedures.

Triggers of the Crisis

Several factors have driven this stance:

• Algeria’s Refusal to Readmit Nationals: Over recent weeks, Algeria has consistently rejected the return of its citizens expelled from France, a situation Bayrou deems unsustainable.
• Mulhouse Attack: The previous Saturday, a 37-year-old Algerian irregular migrant carried out a knife attack in Mulhouse, killing a 69-year-old Portuguese man and injuring seven others. This individual had been presented for expulsion to Algeria 10 times without success, heightening security concerns in France.
• Preexisting Tensions: Franco-Algerian relations were already strained, notably after France’s support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan in July 2024, prompting Algeria to recall its ambassador.

Potential Implications

Bayrou’s initiative could have far-reaching consequences:

• On Bilateral Relations: Denouncing the 1968 agreements would mark a significant rupture, impacting immigration, trade, and cooperation. Algeria might retaliate with visa restrictions or economic sanctions.
• On Immigration: Terminating the agreements would strip Algerians of their preferential status, aligning their treatment with other foreigners, aligning with calls from figures like Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau for stricter migration policies.
• Domestically in France: The Mulhouse attack has intensified pressure from the far-right for tougher migration controls, and Bayrou’s response will be closely watched by public opinion.

A Diplomatic Balancing Act?

Despite his firmness, Bayrou leaves room for dialogue. By avoiding immediate escalation and favoring negotiation, he signals France seeks to pressure Algeria into cooperation without a full break. The visa audit and deadline reflect a calculated approach rather than an irreversible confrontation.

What Lies Ahead

The next few weeks will be critical. If Algeria agrees to readmit its nationals and engage on the agreements, a major crisis might be averted. Otherwise, denouncing the 1968 agreements could reshape Franco-Algerian ties, with lasting effects on immigration and diplomacy. The outcome hinges on Algeria’s response, the audit’s findings, and France’s domestic political dynamics.

In conclusion, Bayrou’s move reflects an effort to address French frustrations while preserving a diplomatic path. However, in a climate of mounting tensions, the balance remains fragile.