Barrot

France has announced the expulsion of several Algerian diplomats in a retaliatory move following Algeria’s recent decision to eject 15 French embassy employees over alleged breaches of diplomatic protocol.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the response on Wednesday during an interview with BFM TV, stating, “Our response is immediate, firm, and strictly proportionate… All Algerian agents with diplomatic passports who do not currently have a visa must return to Algeria.”

Barrot did not disclose the exact number of Algerian diplomats affected by the expulsion.

This diplomatic standoff escalated after the Algerian Foreign Ministry summoned the French charge d’affaires on Monday, citing “serious breaches” of diplomatic protocol and demanding the immediate removal of the French personnel.

The incident marks a sharp downturn in Franco-Algerian relations, which have experienced frequent tensions in recent years over historical grievances, migration, and regional influence in North Africa.