President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that Algeria insists France acknowledge the crimes it committed during the colonial period from 1830 to 1962.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune delivered a sharp critique of France on Sunday, focusing on the enduring impact of its colonial rule on Algeria. Speaking before both chambers of parliament, Tebboune reviewed the achievements of his first presidential term from 2019 to 2024 and outlined his agenda for his second term, which began in September, as reported by an Anadolu correspondent.

Tebboune stated that Algeria demands an acknowledgment from France of the crimes committed during the colonial period from 1830 to 1962, stressing that the country seeks no material compensation. "We are pursuing the dignity of our ancestors," he declared.

He highlighted that the 132 years of colonization claimed the lives of 5.6 million Algerians, emphasizing that no monetary value could compensate for the loss of even a single life during the resistance or armed struggle. His comments come amid a significant political crisis between Algeria and France, which recently resulted in Algeria withdrawing its ambassador and summoning the French ambassador. Algerian authorities attributed the tensions to "hostile acts committed by French foreign intelligence on Algerian soil."

Tebboune also condemned the atrocities perpetrated by the French colonial army, particularly under General Thomas Robert Bugeaud, who served as governor-general of Algeria from 1841 to 1847. Tebboune described Bugeaud as "genocidal" and pointed out that France still retains 500 skulls of Algerians decapitated in the 19th century and taken to Paris, noting that only 24 have been repatriated so far.

On domestic issues, Tebboune announced plans to initiate a dialogue with political parties early next year aimed at strengthening state independence and internal unity. While an exact start date was not provided, he described the dialogue as "inclusive and deep," with the goal of introducing new laws governing political parties and associations.