French Response Confirms Fears of Losing Diplomatic Assets in Algeria

French authorities’ fears of losing diplomatic assets used by their diplomatic missions in Algeria have been confirmed.

The French government acknowledged that a number of these premises have indeed been placed at its disposal by Algerian authorities, noting that this issue is regularly raised in bilateral communications.

In a written response from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the Quai d’Orsay), dated May 27, 2025, checked out by Echorouk, to a question asked by MP Michel Guiniot of the far-right National Rally, known for its anti-Algerian and anti-immigrant stances, the French authorities acknowledged that “France has several assets in Algeria, which fall under various statuses”, these properties are used by their diplomatic services in Algeria and had been placed at their disposal by the Algerian state.

They noted that “the issue of real estate made available to France on Algerian territory is regularly discussed between the French and Algerian authorities”, meaning that these properties are subject to multiple legal systems and that this issue is regularly discussed between officials from both countries.

The French Foreign Ministry’s response included a blatant lie, denying that its ambassador to Algeria had been recalled over the matter, despite a previous confirmation from Algeria via the official news agency. The Foreign Ministry stated that “the French ambassador to Algeria has not been summoned regarding this matter, and we have not received any official notification from the Algerian side on this matter”, regarding the assets placed at their disposal.

The French government expressed its commitment to its relationship with Algeria, describing it as one based on close human ties and mutual interests. However, in its response, the Quai d’Orsay attempted to disavow the official statements of officials in the Paris government that fueled tensions by trying to place the responsibility on the Algerian side, and its scandalous claim that the Algerian authorities initiated hostile measures, saying “France is committed to its relationship with Algeria, with which we are united by close human ties and shared interests. For some time now, however, as you know, the Algerian authorities have adopted a hostile attitude that is not commensurate with the ties between our two countries. In this context, we have already taken firm measures to defend our interests, and we are ready to take further steps in the interest of France and the French people”.

The French Foreign Ministry tried to maintain what remains in its relations with Algeria, emphasising in its response that Paris is committed to dialogue with Algeria and the need to maintain a “respectful and constructive” channel of communication with the Algerian government, allowing both sides to address all issues, including those on which they have disagreements.

Following Algeria’s raising of the issue of French-owned diplomatic assets several weeks ago, there was a state of alert within French political circles. Far-right circles believed that the public exposure of this issue could result in Paris losing these properties, some of which date back to the colonial era. This was reflected, in particular, in a question posed by far-right MP Michel Guiniot.

In his question dated March 25, 2025, MP Guiniot questions the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, about what he described as “escalating tensions between Paris and Algiers” and “in particular Algeria’s potential challenge to France’s provision of real estate on Algerian territory”, meaning the possibility that Algerian authorities might prevent France from continuing to use its assets on Algerian soil.

In his written question n°5237, Guiniot said, “According to the Algerian press, the French ambassador to Algeria was summoned to discuss this matter with the Algerian foreign minister. This information has not yet been confirmed. However, if Algeria were to follow through on this hypothesis, he would like to know what solutions are being considered to continue maintaining a diplomatic and consular presence in Algeria, in the interests of both the French and France”.

MP Guiniot, through this question, emphasised the need to understand the French Foreign Ministry’s position on these developments, wondering about possible solutions that could be adopted to ensure the continued French diplomatic and consular presence in Algeria. He believed that preserving these assets was in the best interests of France and the French community residing in Algeria.