Macron Faces Backlash Over Stance on 1968 France-Algeria Accords

The French president rejects calls to revoke the migration agreement, sparking tensions within his government and criticism from political rivals.

Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his commitment to renegotiating, rather than revoking, the 1968 France-Algeria migration accords, which grant Algerians unique residency and work rights in France.
Macron's position contrasts sharply with calls from Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Prime Minister François Bayrou to take a firmer stance, including potentially terminating the agreement.
Critics, including opposition leaders and some government members, accuse Macron of prioritizing diplomacy with Algeria over addressing domestic security and immigration concerns.
The debate has intensified following an alleged terrorist attack in Mulhouse involving an Algerian national under an expulsion order, whose repatriation was blocked by Algeria's refusal to issue necessary documents.
The controversy underscores broader divisions within Macron's government and the political right, as Laurent Wauquiez uses the issue to bolster his bid for leadership of the Les Républicains party.