Algeria pushes back after Macron urges tougher line in standoff

Algeria Rebukes Macron's Call for "Tougher Line"

Algerian officials accused France of seeking self-justification as tensions between the two nations escalate.

Algiers responded Thursday to French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent call for a harder stance against its former colony. Algerian officials denounced the position as an attempt by Paris to “exonerate” itself from blame in the ongoing standoff.

Macron had publicly expressed his desire for a tougher approach towards Algeria, seeking to address rising tensions that have marked their relationship in recent months.

"France is seeking to exonerate itself," an Algerian government source stated, directly addressing Macron's call for increased pressure on Algiers.