Ségolène Royal sparks controversy over Algeria and French policing

Ségolène Royal, former French minister and president of the France-Algeria Association, has sparked political controversy following comments regarding the political nature of Algeria and French domestic policing.

During an interview on France Inter, Royal declined to label Algeria an authoritarian regime, stating, “I cannot say that Algeria is an authoritarian regime, it is not my role.” She cited her position within the France-Algeria Association to emphasize a stance of non-interference and bilateral appeasement.

Royal drew comparisons between the political situation in Algeria and recent security issues in France. She criticized French police methods, specifically citing the handcuffing of 14-year-old adolescents during recent high school protests. She questioned the exemplary nature of the French Republic, asking, “And France, what is France?” and suggesting that the presence of the Pope in Algeria contradicts claims of a barbaric regime.