“Since the outbreak of this crisis, which France caused, it has chosen to approach it with the logic of force and escalation. It has resorted to threats, ultimatums and diktats, ignoring the fact that Algeria does not submit to any form of pressure, coercion or blackmail, regardless of its source or nature,” the ministry said.
Macron had sought to maintain diplomatic ties with Algeria and was eager to de-escalate. miniHe now appears to have lost patience.
“We have no choice but to adopt a firmer approach,” Macron told right-wing daily Le Figaro.
Relations with Algeria are also a hot topic for the French president domestically. Algerians make up France’s largest immigrant community, and millions of French citizens are of Algerian descent.
Meanwhile, far-right and right-wing figures — including current Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau — have made cracking down on Algeria and Algerian immigration central to their political platforms.
This article has been updated.