Tensions between France and Algeria could take a new turn. According to the magazine L’ExpressParis would plan to freeze the assets of “twenty dignitaries” of the Algerian regime. This measure could be applied in the event of a new escalation between the two countries, a threat already mentioned by the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau.
“According to our information, this option is seriously studied, both in Bercy (Ministry of Finance) and Beauvau (Ministry of the Interior). A list of a “twenty dignitaries” has been established, tells us a government source. These personalities occupy key positions in Algerian administration, security and policy, while having financial goods or interests in France ”, specifies L’Express.
“It is estimated that 801 members of the Algerian nomenklatura have financial interests in France and go there regularly. This, without counting the soldiers. “
This sanction would be envisaged as “a response to the refusal of Algiers to resume several of its nationals under an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF). The idea, within the government, is to use this list of twenty dignitaries as a final lever in diplomatic negotiations between the two countries, ” L’Express.
A first measure was taken on May 16 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which suspended a 2007 agreement allowing diplomatic passport holders to circulate freely between the two countries without visa.
The crisis between Paris and Algiers was launched after recognition, on July 30, by President Emmanuel Macron, of the Moroccanity of Western Sahara. The arrest, on November 16 in Algiers, of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal still poisoned Franco-Algerian relations.
