French Historian Bernard Lugan: The Legitimacy of the Algerian Regime Is Based on a Fabricated History

ALDAR/

In an interview with French historian and researcher Bernard Lugan about the French-Algerian crisis and Algeria’s history… Amid escalating tensions between France and Algeria, historian and expert on African affairs Bernard Lugan argues that the roots of the crisis are not recent but rather stretch back decades, shaped by political and historical conflicts.

Lugan, who previously studied at major military academies such as Saint-Cyr, recently published a book titled The History of Multiple Algerias, in which he analyzes the current situation in light of historical backgrounds.

Lugan’s statements come in the context of a severe diplomatic crisis, which intensified following remarks by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who stated that “France is not seeking confrontation with Algeria, but it is Algeria that is adopting a hostile approach.” He called for “gradual measures” against Algeria if it continues to refuse to take back its deported citizens from France.

Speaking on the crisis, Lugan believes that Retailleau’s stance is justified, asserting that Algeria has been in a “perpetual state of war against France since 1962.” He points out that this hostility is even reflected in the Algerian national anthem, which carries strong anti-Paris rhetoric.

According to Lugan, the Algerian regime derives its legitimacy from a “fabricated historical narrative,” which it uses to maintain ongoing tensions with France in order to secure internal political gains. He suggests that one of the reasons behind the current escalation is Algeria’s “shock” over France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria, he argues, has long been accustomed to presenting historical demands to France, which Paris often accommodated.

The researcher emphasizes that an objective reading of history reveals that Algeria was never a unified entity throughout the ages but rather a collection of territories under various rulers and influences before being colonized by France in 1830.

Lugan views the French-Algerian dispute as more than just a political or diplomatic conflict—it is a long-term struggle driven by ideological and historical considerations. While Algeria seeks to impose its own narrative, France is attempting to redefine its relationship with Algeria based on new terms.

Against this backdrop, the question remains open: What does the future hold for relations between the two countries? Can they move beyond their heavy historical legacy to reach new understandings, or will tensions continue to define their relationship?