Algerian Parliament Declares French Colonization a State Crime, Raising Diplomatic Tensions

On December 25, 2025, the Algerian parliament unanimously passed a law classifying the French colonization of Algeria (1830-1962) as a "state crime." This significant legislative move demands formal apologies from France and compensation for colonial atrocities, including damages caused by French nuclear tests on Algerian soil. The law also seeks the return of national archives and includes penalties for those promoting colonization or denying its criminal nature.

Brahim Boughali, president of the National People's Assembly, emphasized the law as a sovereign act underscoring the unyielding Algerian national memory. Algerian sources estimate that the colonization period culminated in a brutal war of independence that resulted in approximately 1.5 million Algerian deaths.

The passage of this law heightens diplomatic tensions already strained by France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and other incidents. French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the colonial past as a crime against humanity, yet he has stopped short of issuing formal apologies. Paris views the Algerian initiative as hostile to the dialogue between the two nations and fears it undermines recent efforts to manage historical issues calmly.

Historian Benjamin Stora, author of "France/Algeria: Anatomy of a Tear," argues that despite the challenges, reconciliation between France and Algeria is not impossible. He points out that relations had recently shown signs of improvement, particularly after the release of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. However, the new law marks a significant symbolic rupture in bilateral relations with profound political implications.

Though the law lacks enforceable international legal force, its symbolic weight is considerable. It affirms Algeria’s legal responsibility claims against France’s colonial past and cements official demands for reparation. This development deepens the already complex historical narrative and diplomatic dynamics between the two countries.