French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin arrived in Algiers on May 17, 2026, for a two-day visit aimed at improving bilateral relations between France and Algeria. The trip focuses on judicial cooperation and mutual legal assistance, according to official statements from the French Ministry of Justice.
During his visit, Darmanin met with Algerian Minister of Justice Abderrachid Tabi to discuss extradition treaties, cross-border crime, and the sharing of legal expertise. The talks are part of broader efforts to reset ties after a period of diplomatic strain following comments by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2021.
Algeria recalled its ambassador to Paris in October 2021 after Macron was quoted by Le Monde as saying Algeria's political system was built on a 'memory rent' and that the country had rewritten its history. Relations have since improved, with Macron visiting Algiers in August 2022 and both sides agreeing to resume cooperation.
The visit by Darmanin is seen as a concrete step toward normalizing judicial exchanges. No major agreements were signed during the trip, but both ministers expressed a commitment to deepening collaboration.
