In an exclusive interview with the French channel LCI, prominent French journalist Renaud Girard made strong statements highlighting the failures of the Algerian military regime and clarified his pro-Moroccan stance on the Western Sahara issue.
Girard, a senior correspondent for Le Figaro, described the Algerian regime as “a regime that combines killing and laziness,” noting that it has failed to achieve any significant accomplishments despite the country’s immense wealth. He added that this regime is “unable to meet the needs of its people,” reflecting its failure to provide Algerians with the opportunities and rights they deserve.
The speaker also criticized the lack of democracy in Algeria, saying that the ruling regime is “incapable of granting democracy to its people,” and emphasized that Algeria lives under a dictatorial system far from the aspirations of free peoples. He remarked that Algeria is in no position to give “lessons” to any other country, and he also directed sharp criticism at Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Addressing the fabricated dispute between Algeria and Morocco over the Moroccan Sahara, Girard referred to a past attempt to propose a solution by French General Jouhaud, who offered Morocco part of the Sahara. Morocco refused to negotiate with foreign parties, preferring dialogue with “their Algerian brothers who are fighting them,” reflecting a consistent Moroccan stance based on negotiation and dialogue, contrary to the aggressive approach taken by Algeria, which peaked in the Sand War of 1963.
By reviewing maps and historical facts, Girard emphasized that it is natural for Morocco to continue asserting its sovereignty over the Sahara. He pointed out that Algeria has no historical or legal right to this region, stating, “If you look at the map and see what the Sahara holds for Algeria versus Morocco, it seems natural today for Morocco to have an extension to its land in the Moroccan Sahara.”
In his concluding remarks, Girard considered France’s supportive stance toward Morocco as “a matter of justice,” as Algeria has repeatedly failed to facilitate a referendum for the self-determination of the Moroccan Sahara, whereas Morocco remains the party acting responsibly and seeking peaceful solutions to the dispute.
