French National Assembly Passes Resolution Calling for the Release of Algerian Writer Boualem Sansal Amidst Political Divisions

The French National Assembly witnessed a contentious debate this Tuesday afternoon regarding a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Boualem Sansal, a Franco-Algerian writer detained in Algeria since mid-November. Sansal has been held in his native country for 171 days, prompting concerns about his well-being and freedom of expression.

While the resolution ultimately passed with a significant majority of 307 votes in favor and only 28 against, the vote exposed deep divisions within the French political landscape, particularly regarding the delicate relationship between France and Algeria. The resolution garnered support from a wide spectrum of political parties, including Macron’s Renaissance party, the right-wing Les Républicains (LR), the far-right Rassemblement National (RN), as well as the Socialists and the Greens. However, the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) staunchly opposed the resolution, while the Communists abstained.

The Insoumis’ opposition to the resolution marked a significant departure from their previous stance. In committee meetings, they had abstained from voting on the text. This time, however, they took a firm stance against it, voicing strong criticisms of its content and motivations. This shift sparked outrage among other parliamentarians, notably from the RN, who accused the Insoumis of being sympathetic to the Algerian regime.

Constance Le Grip, a Renaissance party deputy and the initiator of the resolution, expressed her satisfaction with its passage. She emphasized the importance of the National Assembly sending a clear and unambiguous message to Algerian authorities, urging Sansal’s immediate and unconditional release. Le Grip described Sansal as an "emblematic figure of the Francophonie" and deemed it "inconceivable" that he be deprived of his fundamental rights. She reiterated that the vote was "an act of humanity" and a reminder of the core principles to which parliamentarians should adhere.

Le Grip sought to alleviate concerns about the resolution’s potential impact on Franco-Algerian relations, stating that it was "neither an act of defiance nor a gesture of provocation" towards Algeria. However, despite her assurances, the resolution’s text contained several clauses with diplomatic undertones, including a call for the French government and the European Commission to ensure that future European funds disbursed to Algeria are accompanied by substantial progress in the rule of law and individual liberties.

This particular clause fueled criticism from the left, who argued that the resolution went beyond simply calling for Sansal’s release and instead served to escalate political tensions between France and Algeria. Nathalie Oziol, an Insoumise deputy, argued that the resolution "fuels the media and political overbidding engaged by Bruno Retailleau and the extreme right." She criticized the inclusion of issues such as visa policies in the text, accusing some of using Sansal’s case to advance a broader anti-Algerian agenda. Oziol concluded that her party could not validate such a proposal, deeming it reminiscent of colonial nostalgia.

Dominique Voynet, a Green party deputy, echoed concerns about the resolution’s tone, warning of the "risk of symbolic escalation." She regretted what she perceived as "political instrumentalization by the right and the extreme right." Despite these reservations, Voynet’s Green party colleagues ultimately voted in favor of the resolution, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of the debate.

The Communist party, which abstained from the vote, also accused some parliamentarians of "not missing an opportunity to engage in political opportunism."

Socialist deputy Pierre Pribetich explained his party’s decision to shift from abstention in committee to voting in favor of the resolution in the plenary session. He stated that the Socialists did not want their abstention to be misinterpreted by the public, which might not understand the nuances of their concerns. He also criticized those he accused of politicizing the resolution, arguing that the desire to see Boualem Sansal released should not be conflated with broader debates about Franco-Algerian relations.

During the debates, several deputies, particularly from the RN and LR, attempted to amend the text, leading to tense and sometimes heated exchanges. Laurent Jacobelli, an RN deputy, criticized those who he felt were not doing enough to secure Sansal’s release. Sébastien Chenu, another RN deputy, directly attacked the Insoumis, accusing them of sympathizing with the Algerian regime. He stated that the Insoumis would bear a "sacred responsibility" if Sansal were to die in Algerian prisons.

Éric Ciotti, a deputy from Les Républicains, denounced the Insoumis’ opposition to the resolution as "shameful and scandalous."

Benjamin Haddad, the Minister for Europe, also expressed concern over the positions taken by the left, especially the Insoumis, regretting what he described as "amendments of self-hatred" and "repentance."

The debate surrounding the resolution highlighted the complexities and sensitivities surrounding Franco-Algerian relations. The legacy of colonialism, immigration, and economic ties continue to shape the political discourse in both countries. While the resolution ultimately passed, the divisions it exposed underscored the need for a nuanced and carefully considered approach to addressing issues of human rights and political freedoms in the region. The resolution calling for Boualem Sansal’s release became a lightning rod for broader tensions and disagreements about France’s role in the world and its relationship with its former colonies.

Despite the political infighting and accusations of opportunism, the French National Assembly ultimately sent a clear message: France calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Boualem Sansal. Whether this message will be heeded by the Algerian authorities remains to be seen.