On July 18, 2026, an interview with French Ambassador to Algeria Stéphane Romatet published by Algerian media sparked a diplomatic row. In the interview, Romatet discussed visa issuance policies for Algerians, leading to accusations of 'humiliation' and 'betrayal' from Algerian political figures and social media users.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Quai d'Orsay) issued a statement on July 19, 2026, seeking to clarify the ambassador's remarks. The ministry emphasized that France remains committed to facilitating legal migration and that visa procedures are based on objective criteria, not national discrimination.
Algerian officials have not yet issued an official response, but the incident has reignited debates over bilateral relations, particularly regarding mobility and consular services. The French embassy in Algiers has not commented further.
This controversy comes amid broader discussions on migration between Europe and North Africa. France has tightened visa rules for several countries in recent years, citing security and overstay concerns, but maintains that Algeria is a key partner.
