French row with Algeria escalates further with tit-for-tat expulsions

France has recalled its ambassador to Algeria and expelled 12 Algerian diplomats amid escalating diplomatic tensions following the arrest of an Algerian consular official linked to the kidnapping of a government critic. Relations between the countries have been deteriorating since Macron’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, with both nations blaming each other for the crisis. Despite attempts to ease tensions, including discussions between Macron and Algeria’s president, the situation continues to worsen, leading to mutual expulsions of officials.