In an official statement, the French presidency criticized Algeria for what it described as a sudden breakdown in diplomatic relations.
The statement confirmed the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomatic and consular staff from French territory and the recall of French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet for consultations.
The diplomatic fallout marks a new low in already strained ties between the two nations. Recent months have seen rising tensions, in part due to firm policies from France's interior ministry.
Although both countries had expressed a willingness to mend relations during Barrot's visit to Algiers on April 6, relations soured further after French authorities indicted an Algerian consular official, suspected of involvement in the 2024 abduction of a political dissident.
IGIHE
