Algeria is officially drawing a legal boundary regarding its colonial history. The nation’s parliament just approved a landmark law formally criminalizing French rule from 1830 to 1962. The legislation declares France legally responsible for abuses committed during the period, including torture, extrajudicial killings, nuclear testing, and the exploitation of resources. Earlier demands for a formal apology and broad financial reparations were removed after lawmakers aligned the bill with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s position that recognition of the crimes matters more than compensation. However, provisions allowing compensation for victims of French nuclear tests remain intact. This bold legislative move underscores a deepening diplomatic rift, as the two nations navigate a complex tug-of-war over memory and sovereignty.
Le Monde
