French National Assembly Passes RN Resolution to Denounce 1968 Franco-Algerian Agreements
The French National Assembly narrowly approved an RN resolution calling on France to denounce the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreements, a historic yet symbolic political move with no binding legal effect.
- • RN achieves first adopted resolution in nearly 40 years by narrowly passing denouncement of 1968 Franco-Algerian agreements.
- • Resolution demands President Macron unilaterally terminate agreements granting special immigration rights to Algerians in France.
- • Legal experts emphasize resolution is symbolic and non-binding, with possible international law violations if France acts unilaterally.
- • Vote provokes political controversy, with critics blaming right-wing deputies for enabling RN and left-wing parties refusing to cooperate with RN.
Key details
On October 30, 2025, the French National Assembly narrowly adopted a resolution introduced by the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) that calls for the denunciation of the Franco-Algerian agreements of December 27, 1968. The vote passed by a single vote margin, 185 to 184, marking the first time in nearly four decades that the RN succeeded in having a parliamentary text adopted.
The resolution demands that President Emmanuel Macron unilaterally terminate the special immigration regime established by these agreements, which grant Algerians preferential access to residence permits and work rights in France. The RN argues that these accords are outdated and unjustified, citing Algeria's failure to repatriate its citizens illegally residing in France and citing cases such as the imprisonment of writer Boualem Sansal and journalist Christophe Gleizes as evidence of deteriorating relations (Sources: 122936, 122948).
However, legal experts caution that the resolution is purely symbolic and lacks binding force, as unilateral denunciation could violate international law. Serge Slama highlighted that the decision rests with the President, who is under no legal obligation to act on the resolution, and pointed out that some RN allegations contain inaccuracies, noting the existing suspension of an agreement related to diplomatic passport holders (Sources: 122936, 122717).
The vote also stirred political controversy. Some right-wing deputies faced criticism for enabling the far-right's agenda, contrasting with Jacques Chirac's earlier stance against compromising with extremist parties. Despite the RN’s breakthrough, left-wing parties maintained their traditional refusal to vote with RN, underscoring ongoing political polarization around the issue (Source: 122763, 122948).
The 1968 Franco-Algerian agreements remain under renewed scrutiny amidst strained Franco-Algerian diplomatic ties, with the RN resolution symbolizing a potent political statement rather than an imminent legal change (Source: 122938, 122717).