France owes “moral debt” to Algeria for crimes during colonisation, ex-minister says

Several voices in France are criticizing the recent disinformation campaign waged against Algeria by the extreme right and the relentlessness of certain parties against Algerians.

Former French minister Ségolène Royal, speaking on a TV show, referred to France’s “moral debt” to Algeria, a debt linked to the crimes committed during colonization, Caliber.Az reports via Algerian news sources.

“France got rich; French companies got rich at the expense of Algeria,” she recalled, noting that colonization had been “atrocious.”

“We must not forget the damage we did to this territory, which we colonized because there were resources there,” she pointed out, also drawing attention to the role played by Algerian workers in France’s economic development.

“The future is built by being aware of the past and history. We have a painful shared history with Algeria,” said the former French presidential candidate. “I think we need to return to diplomatic relations based on mutual respect, relations that respect this history,” stated Royal.

The left-wing party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), through its parliamentary group in the French Assembly, roundly criticized French ministers and officials who have recently attacked Algeria.

“In recent days, several ministers or leaders of the presidential camp have been creating an escalation of irresponsible aggression against Algeria. All pretexts seem good. Some French officials are playing on an absurd logic of revenge against Algeria, using a warlike vocabulary that is unacceptable,” said a press release from the party’s parliamentary group.

“No particular situation should serve as an alibi for a desire to deteriorate ties between our two countries further. The way in which Bruno Retailleau (France’s Interior Minister), who has distinguished himself since joining the government by his attacks on the rule of law or his efforts to rehabilitate colonization, is escalating the situation and trying to force a confrontation is as despicable as it is irresponsible.”

“With Algeria, as with other African countries, renouncing any posture of neo-colonial domination is the basis of any balanced relationship, i.e., egalitarian and respectful of everyone,” France Insoumise advocates.

“We express our concern and our very strong opposition to this unbearable escalation for millions of French families who live in a direct relationship of affection and respectful fraternity with the Algerian people. The war ended sixty-two years ago. Can our peoples finally have the right to a normal relationship, based on mutual respect and peaceful relations?” concluded the press release.

The Algeria-France Renewal Consolidation Federation (FFA) expressed its “deepest indignation at the politico-media campaign” directed against Algeria and Algerians. “We strongly denounce the irresponsible remarks made by President Emmanuel Macron” about Algeria, the FFA said in a press release.

“The honor of Algeria is what should inspire President Macron before he insults an entire people and an entire history in a vain attempt to interfere, reminiscent of the darkest hours of colonial France,” said the source.

“We also recall that the principle of non-interference is the foundation of respectful international relations,” stressed the FFA.

By Khagan Isayev