France losing influence in Algeria, says Ségolène Royal

Ségolène Royal, former French minister and president of the Franco‑Algerian Friendship Association, warned on X that France’s diplomacy in Algeria is “catastrophic” and that the country is being overtaken by other European powers. She cited a wave of contracts between Algeria and Italy, Germany and Spain in sectors such as energy, public works, green hydrogen and automotive, and noted the upcoming visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Algiers.

Royal urged a rebuilding of French‑Algerian relations based on mutual respect and strategic interests, calling for a clearer, constructive diplomatic approach ahead of the 2027 French presidential election cycle.