• France expelled Algerian diplomats in retaliation for Algeria's expulsion of French officials.
• French Foreign Minister called Algeria’s actions "unjustified" amid deteriorating ties.
• Diplomatic relations are described as "totally blocked" by the French government.

France announced it will expel several Algerian diplomats as a response to Algeria's decision to send home 15 French diplomatic agents. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated this retaliatory measure was communicated to Algeria's chargé d'affaires, indicating that France's actions are "perfectly proportionate" to the provocations from Algeria, which he deemed "unjustified and unjustifiable," according to Le Monde and Reuters.

This diplomatic spat highlights a "significant deterioration" in relations, which have been historically fragile given their complex colonial history. The tensions intensified last year when President Macron supported Morocco regarding the contested Western Sahara, fuelling further animosity. Following a brief improvement in relations last month after Barrot's visit to Algiers, the latest expulsion of diplomats has led to ties being deemed "totally blocked," per reports from Africanews and Reuters.

Both countries are now navigating the repercussions of these expulsions, with significant implications for security, trade, and social connections, considering around 10% of France's population has Algerian ties. As Barrot indicated, France retains the right to respond further, which reflects the delicate nature of this diplomatic relationship, according to Africanews and Le Monde.