Historians: Hollande should know that playing with history will burn France

Social media websites have become favored means among French politicians to criticize Algeria. French President François Hollande’s tweet came to deepen the gap in French-Algerian relations. It touched history as Hollande said on the May 8th Massacres that “French should be proud of their big history.”

The tweet was largely shared and raised dissatisfaction.

Historian Mohamed Lahcene Zaghidi said French President’s remarks showed the real image of his country. “Saying that France is proud of its history condemns it.”

“A total of 250,000 Algerians took part in the World War although they did not have a good command of arms use. France used banned weapons and mines on Algerian borders. So, where is the greatness of this criminal history, according to the French President?” he added.

He also said that French people should protest against their “arrogant” President and show to him that “playing with history will set fire in France.”

Chairman of Martyrs’ Torch Association Mohamed Abbad described Hollande’s remarks as an “attack on Algeria.” 

“French politicians are used to exploit history in every elections event. Hollande wanted to raise cheer among his people who suffer from an economic crisis,” he said.

Chief of Al Mudjahid Museum Mustapha Bitam said Algerians do not expect a positive position from an enemy who killed, destroyed and colonized Algeria.

“France can not hide from archives. Genocide pictures are still in minds. If French politicians were courageous, they should have checked them. Their crimes are shameful. Algerians will not stop asking for an apology,” he added.

Secretary General of the Organization of War Veterans’ Sons Mebarek Khalfa said Hollande’s call for being proud is useless. “French people will always be chased by history. Algerians will not forget it even if France recognizes its crimes. French authorities will always be condemned as they perpetrated crimes against unarmed people.”