Macron Seeks Tougher Visa Rules Amid France-Algeria Diplomatic Row

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a tougher stance against Algeria amid escalating diplomatic tensions related to migration, security, and the treatment of French nationals imprisoned in Algeria. Macron requested the formal suspension of a 2013 visa exemption agreement for Algerian diplomats and urged the French government to use new immigration laws to deny visas to Algerian officials and other applicants. He also called on Schengen countries to cooperate with France to restrict Algerian diplomats' travel through third countries. The diplomatic crisis intensified after France recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and an Algerian national linked to a deadly attack in France was arrested. Macron emphasized that France must be strong to command respect and indicated that restoring effective relations with Algeria remains an objective despite the current hardening of policy. The measures aim to address Algeria's failure to cooperate on migration and consular issues and respond to the imprisonment of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and French journalist Christophe Gleizes, whom supporters say are unjustly detained.