RN Deputy Sébastien Chenu Criticizes 2026 Budget and Calls for National Assembly Dissolution

On October 30, 2025, the National Assembly unexpectedly passed a resolution proposed by the Rassemblement National (RN) demanding the denunciation of the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement. RN deputy Sébastien Chenu, also vice-president of the Assembly, voiced strong criticism of the current government's policies, particularly targeting immigration issues and the 2026 budget. He described the French government's approach as incoherent and expressed doubt that the budget would be passed within the year. Chenu emphasized the RN's persistent call for the dissolution of the National Assembly to restore political coherence and hinted at possible cooperation with the Republicans, questioning the true identity of the political right in France.

Chenu sharply distinguished between Algerians themselves and their regime, which he labeled as hostile and anti-French. He highlighted the detention of French citizens by Algeria, specifically writer Boualem Sansal and journalist Christophe Gleizes, and criticized Algeria for its refusal to accept repatriation of individuals subject to Obligations de Quitter le Territoire Français (OQTF). According to Chenu, only 500 Algerians under OQTF were returned by the end of October 2025, a dramatic drop from over 1,400 the previous year.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez responded to these tensions by cautioning against adopting a confrontational or “brute force” approach towards Algeria, warning that such methods are ineffective. Nonetheless, Chenu remained firm in his stance that the government is failing to manage immigration policy coherently and that a political reset through dissolution is necessary.

These developments shed light on the growing political and diplomatic strains between France and Algeria, while domestic debates around the 2026 budget underscore divisions within French politics. Chenu’s outspoken remarks reflect the Rassemblement National’s positioning during a critical period leading into the new fiscal year.