Expert: Macron's statement will worsen relations with Algeria

French President Emmanuel Macron's statement of refusal to apologize to Algeria for the 132-year colonialization will have a negative impact on bilateral relations and complicate the reconciliation of the two countries, expert of the Russian Council for International Affairs Ivan Bocharov told Report.

He said the memory of colonial past is not a vox for Algerians.

However, according to the expert, any significant and, even so more, economic implications can hardly be expected.

"Much harsher statements were made in previous years, there were also negative consequences - up to the recall of the Algerian ambassador from Paris. Now we will not see this," Bocharov suggested.

The expert recalled that an important step was taken last year: Emmanuel Macron visited Algeria, which was supposed to contribute to at least a partial normalization of bilateral relations. In 2023, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun is likely to visit France.

"If the visit takes place, one should hardly expect a breakthrough in the countries' perception of the history of relations between France and Algeria. However, the parties understand the importance of continuing the dialogue," Bocharov concluded.