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Algerian War (1954-1962), a historic conflictdossier
As the heir to the National Front, founded by those nostalgic for French Algeria, the RN remains particularly hostile to people of Maghreb origin. These individuals fear the measures of “national preference” and the rise of unbridled racism.
In Saint-Etienne, where he settled in the middle of the Algerian War, Walid’s grandfather never considered becoming a homeowner. The former miner invested his meager savings in Kabylie, a mountainous region in the north of his native country. The decision to build this small structure stemmed from a deep-seated anxiety in the life of this Algerian, now deceased. “My grandfather was convinced that our family needed a foothold in case France expelled him overnight, recalls Walid, a 29-year-old Franco-Algerian film producer. My father never believed it. But with the current political situation, we really wonder what will happen to us…”
The resounding victory of the National Rally (RN) in the first round of the legislative elections has sent shockwaves through hundreds of thousands of Franco-Algerians living in mainland France. “The fact that ten million people, including relatives, support a far-right party is extremely destabilizing, Marwa, a manager, says.
Franco-Algerian community, a community marked by the tensions of the past and the anxieties of the presentdossier
The rise of the far-right in France casts a shadow over the Franco-Algerian community, rekindling historical wounds and raising fears of discrimination and exclusion.
In Saint-Etienne, where he settled in the middle of the Algerian War, Walid’s grandfather never thought of becoming a homeowner. The former miner invested his meager savings in Kabylie, a mountainous land in the north of his native country. The decision to build this small building was born out of a deep-rooted anxiety in the life of this Algerian, now deceased. “My grandfather was convinced that our family needed a foothold in case France expelled him overnight, recalls Walid, a 29-year-old Franco-Algerian film producer. My father never believed it. But with the current political situation, we really wonder what will happen to us…”
The clear victory of the National Rally (RN) in the first round of the legislative elections has sent shockwaves through hundreds of thousands of Franco-Algerians living in mainland France. “The fact that ten million people, including relatives, support a far-right party is extremely destabilizing, Marwa, a manager, breathes
This feeling of unease is shared by many members of the Franco-Algerian community, a group that has always been at the heart of French society, but also at the heart of its political struggles. The rise of the far-right, a phenomenon that is not new in France, has rekindled age-old wounds and fueled a climate of tension and fear.
The legacy of the Algerian War: A wound that never heals
The Algerian War (1954-1962), a bloody conflict that pitted France against the Algerian independence movement, left deep scars on both societies. For the Franco-Algerian community, it was a time of immense suffering, with many facing discrimination, deportation, and violence. The war’s legacy continues to reverberate, shaping the identity and experiences of its members.
The RN, heir to the National Front, founded by those nostalgic for French Algeria, remains particularly hostile to people of Maghreb origin. The party’s rhetoric often draws on racist and xenophobic tropes, associating immigration with insecurity, crime, and the erosion of French identity. These narratives find fertile ground in a climate of economic anxiety and social unrest, fueling prejudice and fear.
The anxieties of the present: Fears of discrimination and exclusion
The electoral success of the RN has amplified the anxieties of the Franco-Algerian community. The party’s proposals, particularly the “national preference” measures aimed at prioritizing French citizens in access to jobs, social housing, and public services, have sparked fears of discrimination and marginalization.
These fears are not unfounded. Statistics show that the Franco-Algerian community continues to face systemic discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and education. The rise of the far-right has fueled a climate of suspicion and hostility, making it more difficult for members of this community to access opportunities and fully integrate into French society.
The resilience of a community: Maintaining hope and striving for inclusion
Despite the challenges, the Franco-Algerian community has shown remarkable resilience. Driven by a strong sense of cultural identity and a commitment to France, they continue to contribute to the country’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. Many are actively engaged in promoting dialogue and understanding, challenging racist and xenophobic narratives, and advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all.
The community’s resilience is a testament to its deep-rooted connection to France. While grappling with the legacy of the past and the anxieties of the present, they remain committed to a future where inclusion, equality, and respect are the guiding principles of French society. Their struggle for recognition and acceptance reflects a broader fight for a more inclusive and just society, a fight that transcends borders and resonates with the aspirations of many.
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