Ségolène Royal in trouble shooting mission
Algeria hosted a political guest this week: Ségolène Royal, former French minister and president of the Algeria–France Friendship Association.
Her visit comes at a sensitive moment, as tensions between Algeria and France have recently been palpable. Seen as a calming gesture, Royal’s presence reflects her stated goodwill toward Algeria and its people. The main goal of her visit is clear: to ease tensions, reopen dialogue, and rebuild communication between Algiers and Paris an objective that lies at the very heart of the association she leads, which is working for 60 years today to restore respectful and constructive relations between the two countries.
On her second day in Algeria, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Royal at the Presidential Palace. Their discussions focused on the current state of bilateral relations while she highlighted the mutual benefits that could emerge if ties are restored , adding that rebuilding relationships is a duty .
In her remarks, Royal said she came primarily to listen and learn, particularly regarding Algerian concerns, including the sensitive issue of memory. She reaffirmed her firm respect for Algeria’s historical memory and the shared past between the two nations, stressing that the restoration of archives remains essential for any hopeful future. She underlined that recognizing historical truth is a non-negotiable step toward easing wounds, repairing the past, and rebuilding relations on a solid foundation of truth and mutual respect.
Unlocking economic potential between Paris and Algiers was also high on the agenda. Earlier that day, Royal met with Kamel Moula, president of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council, where talks focused on trade, investment, and business development. Royal expressed the association’s readiness to support economic initiatives and encourage constructive dialogue, while Moula emphasized Algeria’s need for concrete and swift responses, particularly to strengthen national production and diversify partnerships.
Royal leaves Algeria with cautious optimism for the future, voicing hope that French authorities will respect Algeria’s national sovereignty. She concluded with a strong message: “Let’s Free the truth of the past, so that together we can build a new common alliance equal to equal.”
Rasha.S