## Colonial Memory: The Heart of the Matter
During her first visit to Algeria, Vogel stated frankly that any serious path to restoring relations must pass through:
- **Clear recognition of colonial crimes.**
- **An official apology** from France.
- **Opening the file on reparations** within a serious and comprehensive discussion.
The senator views these steps not merely as emotional demands, but as an ethical and political prerequisite for building a balanced relationship, moving both countries beyond the logic of denial and neglect that has characterized the French position for decades.
## Cultural Property: Restoring Rights
Among the fundamental issues addressed by Vogel is the file of looted Algerian cultural property. She firmly defended:
- **Algeria's full right** to recover its cultural heritage.
- The need to manage this file through **neutral expert committees** and clear mechanisms.
- Expanding the scope of restitution to include all acts of looting and plunder, even those predating 1815.
## The French Community: A Vital Cultural Bridge
The senator highlighted the positive role that the **French community residing in Algeria** could play as a human and cultural bridge between the two peoples, and as a vital conduit for conveying Algerian aspirations towards building a relationship based on mutual respect and equality, free from any paternalism or unaddressed colonial legacy.
## Parliamentary Diplomacy: A Channel for Continuous Dialogue
Amid periods of tension, Vogel emphasizes the importance of **parliamentary diplomacy** as a fundamental channel for maintaining dialogue between the two countries. She argues that rupture and escalation only complicate matters further, at a time when bilateral relations need more political responsibility and historical awareness.
## Criticizing the Far-Right and the Instrumentalization of Memory
The senator directed sharp criticism at the French far-right for exploiting the files of colonialism and relations with Algeria for narrow electoral and ideological purposes. She affirmed that initiatives from this political faction would not gain ratification in the French Senate, given strong opposition from the left and the Green party to which she belongs.
## The Impact of Darmanin's Policies on Dialogue
Vogel linked the decline in dialogue with Algeria to the hardline policies pursued by former French Interior Minister and leader of the right-wing "The Republicans" party, Gérald Darmanin. She suggested that his departure could provide an opportunity to re-launch a de-escalation path after years of tense rhetoric that harmed bilateral relations and ignored the sensitivity of the colonial memory file.
## Archives and Historians: The Path to Reconciliation
At the core of her vision, the senator emphasizes the necessity of **involving historians**, **opening French archives**, and working jointly with the Algerian side away from circumstantial political calculations, to achieve a genuine reconciliation based on historical facts.
## Towards a New Relationship
Senator Mélanie Vogel's statements pose a fundamental question about France's genuine political will to correct the mistakes of the past. As the French Ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, acknowledges the collapse of bilateral relations, pending issues—from the memory file to the Western Sahara issue—remain solvable when the necessary political will is present.
True reconciliation is not a slogan raised by diplomacy on occasions; it is a long and arduous path that begins with recognition and ends with a new relationship based on respect, equality, and historical justice.