French media and opposition parties: “Hollande, You Are Hypocrite!”

Algeria’s reaction to French President François Hollande’s joke raised controversy among French media while France’s foreign ministry did not comment about Algerian foreign minister Ramtane Laamamra’s remarks.

The Élysée Palace’s media office told Echorouk  the joke can not affect Algerian French relations and the issue was overstated by local newspapers. Opposition parties seized the opportunity to raise conflict between the two countries.

UMP’s Deputy Secretary General described Hollande’s joke as “irresponsible and ironical,” asking him to apologize to Algerian people.

Faicel Manie, a senior member in the party said the joke shows Socialists’ hypocrisy in dealing with Algerian-French relations.

“President Hollande and his government visited Algeria and were warmly received. Yet, they find the occasion to say jokes and make fun of Algerians when they come back to France. This will not serve relations between the two countries and its stability,” he told Echorouk.

Marie Le Pen’s party said Algerians seek the opportunity to create problems and stick to illusions.

Le Parisien newspaper tried to justify Hollande’s joke, saying he did not mean to offend Algeria and it was spontaneous. The president was tired of his last trips to South Africa and Brazil and the remarks were overstated by local newspapers and Internet users, it also said.

Le Soir said in its article untitled ‘The Joke which shocked Algeria’ that the remarks will not change anything to President Hollande’s bad situation as he lost his popularity.

The newspaper wondered whether the president did not mean to offend Algeria as he knows that historic relations between the two countries are very sensitive.

Le Figaro newspaper said the French president embarrassed himself and his friends in Algeria. His joke may hit any advancement in bilateral relations.