France-Algeria Association president: French politicians are stuck in “neocolonial past”

Ségolène Royal, president of the France-Algeria Association, has accused part of the French political establishment of turning “Algerophobia” into an electoral strategy and reviving what she described as a “neocolonial past” ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Algerian News Network (AANDZ).

Royal said some political figures were invoking “neocolonial sentiments” at a time when French voters were facing other pressing concerns.

She stressed that this approach extends beyond the far right, pointing to a broader segment of France’s political class. Royal also referred to a former French prime minister who is a potential candidate in the 2027 presidential election and who, she said, had begun questioning the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreements without providing an adequate explanation for the move.

Royal argued that France is facing a range of domestic challenges and warned that political debates over issues such as wearing the hijab risk diverting attention from economic and social problems, including fuel prices, public debt, education and healthcare.

She also criticised successive governments, pointing to what she described as a sharp increase in public debt, France’s deteriorating position in international education rankings, growing pressure on the healthcare system and problems facing the pension system.

On bilateral ties, Royal reiterated her commitment to strengthening relations between France and Algeria and developing what she called an “intelligent partnerships” between the two countries.

“I will not allow the instrumentalization of Algerophobia during the electoral campaign,” she said.

Responding to accusations from some far-right figures that she was “submissive to Algeria,” Royal said such politicians remained stuck in what she described as a “neocolonial past” in an effort to win votes.

Royal called for stronger relations between Paris and Algiers, as well as with other countries in the Maghreb and Africa. She said she would like French diplomacy to play a greater role in reconciling neighbouring countries rather than interfering in regional conflicts.

Describing Algeria as a major regional country and a gateway to Africa, Royal said restoring strong relations between the two countries was a priority and added that she intended to contribute to those efforts.