French Parliament Reject Bid Seeking to Restrict Algerians from France

The proposal to terminate the Franco-Algerian agreement, facilitating easier immigration for Algerian nationals into France, was voted down in the French parliament on Thursday.

Initiated by the right-wing Republican party and supported by the far-right faction, the motion was defeated with 151 votes against it, while 114 deputies favored the proposal.

The Republicans, known for their staunch anti-immigration stance, accuse President Emmanuel Macron of adopting a lenient approach towards immigration issues.

Michele Tabarot, a Member of Parliament representing the conservative party The Republicans, emphasized during her speech in the National Assembly that as long as the agreement remains, there will be a special regime evading standard laws. Tabarot stressed that despite being revised three times, the fundamental principles of the agreement have never been questioned, prompting The Republicans group to push for its complete rejection.

The rejection of the proposal occurred just before the parliament commences discussions on a crucial immigration bill.

Established in 1968, the accord grants special privileges to Algerians concerning their movement, residency, and employment rights in France.

The relationship between Paris and Algiers has experienced periods of tension in recent times, notably over issues such as immigration, trade agreements, and France's historical colonial legacy.