News|GovernmentAlgeria declares France’s colonial rule a crime in new lawAlgeria’s new law declares French colonial rule a crime, seeking accountability and reparations for the colonial past.

Algeria's Parliamentary Legislation on Colonial History

On Wed, Dec 21, 2025, Algeria’s parliament unanimously passed legislation that criminalizes France's colonial rule over Algeria. The law formally demands an apology and reparations from France, attributing legal responsibility for colonial past and related tragedies.

Catalogues crimes of French colonial rule, including nuclear tests, torture, and resource plundering. Asserts that comprehensive compensation for material and moral damages is an inalienable right of Algeria. Emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of Algeria's national memory.

While analysts note the law lacks enforceable international weight, it holds significant political implications, marking a change in Algeria's approach to colonial memory relations with France.

France ruled Algeria from 1830 to 1962, a period characterized by systemic violence, exploitation, and marginalization. The Algerian War of Independence, from 1954 to 1962, left an estimated 1.5 million Algerians dead.

Despite previous comments by French President Emmanuel Macron describing the colonization as a "crime against humanity," a formal apology has not been issued. France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has refrained from commenting on the recent parliamentary vote.

The vote occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France, further strained by France's recognition of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Algeria supports self-determination for the Sahrawi people and backs the Polisario Front, opposing Morocco's proposal.

Diplomatic relations have been further strained by incidents such as the arrest of an Algerian diplomat in Paris, occurring shortly after commitments to revive dialogue between the two nations.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.