One of the goals of the French President’s three-day visit to Algeria is to heal the wounds of the past. Emmanuel Macron placed a wreath at the memorial to the Independence Day martyrs on the first day.
Algeria has been independent from France for 60 years, and recent months have seen tension between the two governments.
Although Macron referred to the French colonization as a crime against humanity, Algiers never received the justifications it had anticipated.
“We did not choose the past. We inherited it. It is a block. We have to look at it, recognize it. But we have a responsibility, which is to build our future. For ourselves and for our youth.” he said.
At a time when Europe needs its gas reserves more than ever, the French president seeks to repair relations with the former colony with this trip. Officially, Macron’s visit—he arrived with several ministers—is focused on youth and the future. Despite the rise in fuel prices, these are practically incommensurable concepts in this country.
