In a notable political development, French lawmakers voted on Wednesday evening in favor of a proposal put forth by the far-right National Rally party to terminate the 1968 agreement that governs the residency and movement of Algerian citizens in France. This agreement was a continuation of the Évian Accords signed in 1962, which concluded the war of independence between the two countries.
The vote came through a narrow majority of just one vote (185 to 184), after support from members of the Republicans and Horizons parties, while the left-wing parties and the majority presidential coalition and the French government opposed the measure.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, welcomed the vote results, describing it as a “historic day” for her party, asserting that the decision represents the party’s first legislative victory within the French parliament despite the government’s and President Emmanuel Macron’s opposition.
This decision is viewed as a significant political blow to the Algerian regime, which finds itself increasingly isolated on the international stage amid a decline in its regional influence and strained relations with several Western capitals. Observers suggest that this decision reflects a clear shift in the French political mood towards Algeria, with a growing propensity to tighten the stance on immigration issues and bilateral relations.
