ALGIERS
Algerian Parliament Speaker Ibrahim Boughali called Thursday for passing a law criminalizing French colonialism amid growing tensions between Algeria and France.
Boughali, Speaker of the National People’s Assembly, the lower house of parliament, condemned “repeated French attacks that refuse to cease, aimed at tarnishing Algeria’s image.”
“Now, we say the time has come to put the draft law criminalizing colonialism on the table so that it takes its natural course,” he said in an interview with the privately-owned Echorouk TV.
“I believe circumstances now compel us to bring this issue forward,” referring to the increasing attacks by French political elites against Algeria.
This marks the first time a senior Algerian official has publicly advocated for the passage of a law criminalizing France’s 132-year colonial rule in Algeria (1830–1962).
Boughali explained that the proposed law was first introduced in 2006 as a response to France’s law on “the positive aspects of colonialism,” passed by the French parliament on Feb. 13, 2005.
He revealed that the draft law has now reached his office but requires further amendments before being formally presented for review, discussion, and approval.
According to Boughali, the current political crisis between Algeria and France has created the conditions to bring the colonial accountability issue to the forefront.
The Algerian speaker insisted that the proposed legislation should be introduced “on behalf of the Algerian people, not just a political bloc within parliament.”
Since assuming office in 2019, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has handled ties with France with “wisdom and pragmatism, based on mutual respect and equality,” Boughali said.
However, he accused Paris of failing to show serious commitment to strengthening relations.
“Historical events have proven that France is not cooperative,” he said.
