French circles continue to manage Algerian-French relations through orchestrated leaks marked by sheer improvisation and a stark lack of tact—without the slightest sign of reassessment or course correction befitting the gravity of the moment.
Most recently, L’Express reported, citing unnamed sources, that French authorities may be preparing a decision to “freeze the assets of Algerian officials in response to Algeria’s refusal to receive its nationals subject to expulsion orders from French territory.” The leaks also mention efforts to “block access to properties or other assets owned by Algerian officials in France.”
Never before has France’s handling of its relationship with Algeria stooped to such depths. Never has it exhibited this degree of amateurism and randomness. And never has it reached such heights of unseriousness.
Once again, these maneuvers bear the unmistakable imprint of French officials who see Algeria only as fuel for their political ambitions. In this particular case, Algeria—its people, government, and institutions—responds plainly: “Go ahead and carry out what you’re threatening!”
As for those truly behind these threats—threats that can only provoke disdain and indifference from Algeria—they must face reality: they are not dealing with the real Algeria. Instead, they are addressing a fictional version that exists only in their imagination—one they describe using terms like “the regime,” “the authorities,” “key power brokers,” or “the ruling elite.”
That Algeria exists only in their delusions. The real Algeria is something else entirely: it is the Algeria that formally asked France to activate mechanisms of judicial cooperation concerning “assets acquired through illicit means,” without receiving any meaningful response.
It is the Algeria that submitted 51 international legal assistance requests to the French judiciary—none of which have been answered. It is also the Algeria that requested the extradition of several individuals convicted of corruption, embezzlement, and the misappropriation of public funds, only to be met with complete silence. Through such neglect, the French authorities involved place themselves in a position of complicity with these unlawful practices.
If the issue at hand is cleaning out the Augean stables, then let France begin with its own. Perhaps then it might gain a shred of credibility and seriousness—qualities it is sorely lacking, especially in this particular moment.
APS
