Bruno Retailleau threatens to resign if France gives in to Algeria

In an interview with Le Parisien on Saturday, March 15, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reaffirmed his tough stance against Algeria regarding irregular migrants. He threatened to resign from the government if it were to give in on this issue, which he deems “crucial for the security of the French.”

A firm stance firmly upheld

“As long as I am convinced that I am being useful and the means are provided to me, I will stay committed. But if I were asked to give in, I would obviously refuse,” said Bruno Retailleau, thus putting his position on the line. For several weeks, the minister has been advocating for a “balance of power” with Algiers and announced the dispatch of a first list of sixty individuals considered dangerous.

A “gradual response” being considered

If Algeria refuses to take back these individuals, Retailleau threatens to escalate the pressure: “If Algeria does not take back its dangerous nationals, we will initiate a gradual response.” He does not rule out, as a last resort, challenging the 1968 agreements that govern the movement of Algerians in France.

The Interior Minister insists on his desire to be “unyielding,” recalling, in particular, the Mulhouse attack in February, committed by an Algerian under an OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory). He calls for strict enforcement of expulsions to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.