As expected, Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments did not go unanswered. When asked about the situation of “Padhue” (practitioners with diplomas from outside the European Union) during a visit to a hospital in Ariège, the French President took a jab at hardliners on the Algerian issue, lamenting “all the crazies” who want to “pick a fight with Algeria.”
“Go tell all the crazies who explain to us that we should pick a fight with Algeria,” said the President on Monday, April 27, while visiting the Lavelanet hospital.
Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau responded vigorously, denouncing it as a diversion attempt. In a statement, the leader of the Republicans said, “Today, Emmanuel Macron attacked those who, like me, support a tough stance with Algeria, particularly citing administrative hurdles for foreign doctors.” “I want to respond calmly but firmly: this false pretext aims only to hide the real problems,” he added.
“The schemes of this regime on our own soil”
According to the former Interior Minister, the President avoids addressing important issues. “The problem is not Algerian doctors but the hundreds of dangerous OQTFs (orders to leave French territory) who have nothing to do in France anymore,” he insisted, accusing Algiers of refusing to take back certain individuals despite existing agreements.
In detail, Bruno Retailleau broadened his statement to include several disputes. He mentioned “the schemes of this regime on our own soil” and “the totally arbitrary detention of journalist Christophe Gleizes.” He also mentioned the case of writer Kamel Daoud, a Goncourt Prize winner, whose conviction, according to him, did not elicit any reaction from the President.
Another point of contention is the bilateral agreements of 1968, regularly criticized on the right. According to the LR senator, they offer “exorbitant privileges with French taxpayers’ money” while allowing Algeria to not respect certain obligations, especially regarding border readmissions.
“Bellamy speaks of ‘avowed weakness at the top of the state'”
Furthermore, Bruno Retailleau believes that “the policy of good feelings is doomed to failure” against the Algerian regime, calling for “the courage to be firm.”
“I repeat once again: with the Algerian regime, the policy of good feelings is doomed to failure, and no pain in history gives its leaders the right to humiliate and insult France.”
This is a direct response to Emmanuel Macron, accused of not confronting these challenges “which engage the security of the French and the sovereignty of France.”
On his part, LR MEP François-Xavier Bellamy believes that the President shows “avowed weakness at the top of the state” vis-à-vis the Algerian regime. “Failing to have the courage to be firm with the Algerian leaders, the President prefers to insult the French who refuse to deny themselves,” he emphasizes.
These exchanges illustrate, once again, the persistent tension surrounding relations between Paris and Algiers.
