Algeria – Reply by M. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to a question in the National Assembly (17 December 2019)

We’ve followed the Algerian election very closely, and how it has progressed, while fully respecting Algeria’s sovereignty. The Algerian Constitutional Council yesterday announced the election results, and President-elect Mr Tebboune is due to be invested on Thursday. He will obviously be France’s interlocutor, and we wish him success.

But the Algerian people has expressed its aspirations for several months with a great sense of responsibility, citizenship and dignity. Our sole wish for Algeria and the Algerians is for these aspirations to be answered through dialogue between the authorities and the population.

The President-elect also made a number of announcements in his election speech, on the evening of the results. At this crucial time in Algeria’s history it is up to the Algerians, and them alone, to define how this democratic dialogue will be realized.

France is deeply committed to its relationship with Algeria. And we’ll continue to stand alongside Algeria and the Algerians, showing due regard for the respect and friendship which prevail over our relations.