Favored by the French Communist Party (LFI), Sébastien Delogu discusses authors Boualem Sansal and Christophe Gleizes in Algeria
Amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, French MP Sébastien Delogu, of Algerian origin and a potential candidate for the 2026 Marseille mayoral race, visited Algeria in July 2025. The trip, which followed France's recognition of a Moroccan plan for autonomy under its sovereignty for Western Sahara, sparked controversy due to the severe sentences handed to writer Boualem Sansal (five years in prison for “undermining national unity”) and journalist Christophe Gleizes (seven years for controversial statements) [1].
During an interview on Canal Algérie, Delogu called for a dialogue “on equal terms” between France and Algeria, criticizing French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and certain French media for their attacks on the Algerian people. Despite this, Delogu did not comment on the cases of Boualem Sansal or Christophe Gleizes, leading to significant backlash and criticism [1][4].
Critics accused Delogu of inconsistency, failing to uphold the values typically defended by his party, La France Insoumise (LFI), which advocates for human rights and freedom of expression. Many saw his omission as a misstep, particularly given the sensitivity and notoriety of the cases [1].
La France Insoumise distanced itself from Delogu's remarks via an official statement, emphasizing that he was speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the party. LFI also called for the immediate release of Boualem Sansal and Christophe Gleizes, labeling their detention as a “pointless rigidity.” Party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon urged Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to grant clemency to both individuals [1].
Delogu has not publicly addressed the criticism directly regarding his silence on the Sansal and Gleizes cases, nor has he clarified his position in the immediate aftermath. However, he has assured that he mentioned the fate of the two French nationals detained in Algeria during his interviews with Algerian officials [1].
The conflict over Western Sahara involves Morocco and Polisario independence supporters, with Algeria backing the latter. Delogu stands behind international law and its competent instances to resolve border disputes peacefully, specifically regarding the issue of Western Sahara [1].
Minister Retailleau questioned Delogu about his silence on the case of Boualem Sansal during his interviews in Algeria and inquired if he had asked the Algerian regime for accounts regarding the situation [1]. Delogu has not been reported to have responded specifically to Minister Retailleau's criticism in the provided text.
The Insoumis party publicly distanced themselves from Delogu, despite his closeness to Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The specific date of Delogu's trip to Algeria is not mentioned in the provided text, nor is it reported that he had previously faced criticism from Minister Retailleau before his trip.
[1] Source: Canal Algérie, La France Insoumise official statement, Le Monde [4] Source: Le Figaro, Le Huffington Post, France 24
- The migration of ideas and dialogue between France and Algeria, particularly on the topics of war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation, was at the forefront during Sébastien Delogu's visit to Algeria in July 2025.
- In the realm of politics and general-news, the controversial cases of writers Boualem Sansal and journalist Christophe Gleizes, who were given severe sentences in France, also gained attention during Delogu's visit to Algeria.
- Amidst the backlash and criticism, Delogu, of Algerian origin, was accused of inconsistency for his failure to comment on the cases of Sansal and Gleizes, a breach of the values normally defended by his party, La France Insoumise.
- The sports world, specifically in European leagues and football, might not seem related, but football diplomacy has been a tool for foreign policy, and the potential impact of Delogu's visit on football relations between France and Algeria remains to be seen.
- Crime-and-justice took center stage, as French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau questioned Delogu about his silence on the case of Boualem Sansal, while Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune faces calls for clemency from LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon regarding the detention of Sansal and Gleizes.
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