French President Emmanuel Macron stated in an interview published on Wednesday evening that he will not ask "the Algerians for forgiveness for France's colonization of their country," but hopes to welcome his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Paris this year "to continue working together on the file of memory and reconciliation between the two countries."
In a lengthy interview with Algerian writer Kamel Daoud published in the French weekly "Le Point," Macron said: "I do not need to ask for forgiveness; that is not the goal. Such words would sever all ties." He explained that "the worst thing that could happen is to say 'we apologize and each goes our own way,'" emphasizing that "the work of memory and history is not about settling accounts; it is quite the opposite."
He pointed out that "the work of memory and history means recognizing that there are indescribable matters within that, matters that are not understood, cannot be proven, and perhaps are unforgivable."
It is noted that the issue of France's apology for its colonial past in Algeria (1830-1962) is at the core of bilateral relations and recurring tensions between the two countries.
In the interview, the French president expressed hope that President Tebboune would be able to visit France in 2023 to continue the unprecedented work of friendship following Macron's visit to Algeria in August 2022. In response to a question about whether President Tebboune's anticipated visit could include participation in a tribute ceremony at the monument of Emir Abdelkader in the cemetery of the heroes of the anti-colonial resistance in Amboise (southwest of Paris), Macron remarked: "Such an act would be a very beautiful and powerful moment; I wish for it to happen."
Macron considered that holding such ceremonies "would have significance in the history of the Algerian people. For the French people, it would be an opportunity to understand often-hidden truths."
