France: Resolution Condemning the "Bloody and Lethal Repression" of Algerians in October 1961

The French National Assembly adopted a resolution that "denounces the bloody and lethal repression against Algerians, under the authority of police chief Maurice Papon on October 17, 1961" in Paris, where over 200 demonstrators were killed. 67 deputies supported the resolution, while 11 from the far-right National Rally opposed it. The text received backing from the left, the presidential party "Renaissance," and the centrist "Democratic Movement," while the right-wing Republican bloc did not vote in favor, according to its leader Olivier Marleix, who sees no need "to create an additional day of remembrance." The draft resolution also recommended "the inclusion of a day of commemoration in the national calendar of days and official ceremonies." It is noted that in October 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron began to acknowledge these events, stating that "the crimes committed on October 17, 1961, under Maurice Papon's authority are unforgivable for the Republic." On another note, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is set to make a state visit to France "at the end of September and the beginning of October," as announced by the French presidency two weeks ago, following a phone call between Tebboune and Macron.