France has announced the expulsion of several Algerian diplomats in a retaliatory move following Algeria’s decision to expel 15 French embassy staff earlier this week.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the response on Wednesday, describing it as “immediate, firm, and strictly proportionate.” Speaking to BFM TV, Barrot said the expelled individuals include all Algerian diplomatic personnel without valid visas. He did not specify the number of diplomats affected.
The diplomatic row escalated after Algeria’s Foreign Ministry summoned the French charge d’affaires in Algiers on Monday, citing “serious breaches” of diplomatic protocol by French officials and ordering their immediate departure.
Tensions between the two countries have been simmering for months, with disputes over visas, historical grievances, and regional security cooperation contributing to a growing strain in bilateral relations.