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Some choices reveal more about a country’s diplomacy than all the speeches in the world. Algeria, a nation that often highlights its anti-colonial struggle, has just handed the microphone to a small neo-Nazi Breton group—hardly an influential force—known as the Parti National Breton (PNB), founded by Boris Le Lay. The Algerian state media has rolled out the red carpet for this advocate of racial purity, all under the pretext that he dreams of seeing Brittany break away from France.
Ma toute première intervention publique, au nom du parti. Le journaliste de Canal Algérie a été un excellent contact et je le remercie pour les échanges très constructifs que nous avons eu. https://t.co/5yIFkePbrZ
— Erwan Pradier (@ErwanPradierPNB) May 11, 2025
Algeria has long been generous with Sahrawi separatists, but now it seems to be extending its hand to the European far right. This isn’t diplomacy; it’s farce. Giving Erwan Pradier, president of the PNB, his first media exposure is like organizing a conference on tolerance at the Paris Mosque with Éric Zemmour as the guest speaker.
From Salted Butter to Rancid Diplomacy
The message is clear: «You bash France? Come on in, comrades». It doesn’t matter if you espouse vile ideas, flirt with neo-Nazi ideology, or adhere to a worldview that centers on racial purity. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as they say. But if you make deals with devils, you’ll end up burned.
It's also important to note that Algeria is still seething after Paris officially supported Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. And, as is often the case, when Algiers faces a diplomatic setback, it reaches for its favorite weapon: the separatist hammer. First, there was the support for the Polisario, the armed wing of an outdated separatist movement in Tindouf. Then, Algeria proudly opened an office for the Rifian cause in its capital. Now, there’s this odd alliance with the far-right Bretons. What’s next? A partnership with Texan separatists?
But beyond the absurdity of the Breton neo-Nazi interview, it’s the hypocrisy that shocks. The same regime that clamps down on figures like Boualem Sansal, imprisoning him for «attacking territorial integrity» when he discusses uncomfortable truths about his own country, now welcomes groups advocating the breakup of neighboring states. On one hand, Algiers silences those who speak inconvenient truths about its shifting borders; on the other, it cozies up to secessionists. Consistency? Not even close.
The Danger of a Parkinsonian Policy in a Glass House
We must also address the double standard that’s become almost comical. Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, is accused by Algiers of being the front-runner of the anti-Algerian far-right. Yet, in the same breath, Algeria partners with tiny Breton factions whose ideological roots are steeped in the darkest corners of the European far-right.
This repeated support for extremist, violent, or outright ghostly movements goes beyond symbolism. It’s part of a strategy that more and more countries are denouncing. Mali, for example, has called out Algeria’s interference and its connections to terrorist groups in the Sahel. Morocco no longer needs to point to the military, financial, and diplomatic support that the Polisario receives, even as some of its leaders openly call for attacks on civilians.
But playing with fire eventually leads to getting burned. The Algerian regime would do well to learn this lesson: waving a hammer with erratic movements is dangerous when your house is made of glass. After writing The Danger of Meddling in Others' Affairs, British writer and jurist Alexander McCall Smith might have a new book title: The Danger of a Parkinsonian Policy When Living in a Glass House.
