W. Waweru is a Jadetimes Covering America & Business News
Image Source: Spectrum News
Worcester, Massachusetts – Worcester Restaurants Week is currently underway across Central Massachusetts – the full list can be found here. Companies are aiming to attract people who would want to beat the heat by dining out.
One of the Worcester restaurants providing special options for the week is BirchTree Bread Company. Executive chef Jhesy Sanchez stated the idea of the bread based on the process of the organization.
“This is kind of the scene,” said Sanchez. “This is where we make all the bread. Bakers are here every morning 4 am, making all of our bread day of.”
Restaurants Week provides an opportunity for local restaurants to culminate the process they work on year-round, and Sanchez reported that BirchTree Bread tried to maintain it fresh and well-organized.
“Working with day-of-bread, it really brings something different to the food," said Sanchez. "And the vibe here is really casual, which I've always been a fan of. The staff up in the front, very inviting. They answer all your questions about everything we have.”
This year’s summer edition of restaurants week features 38 participating locations with their variation of a 3-course meal. BirchTree has two choices with a bonus of a lobster roll.
“It's good for the community," said Sanchez. "Gets people out, gets people to try out different things we don't usually have on the menu. We're day two in, and it's been going well. A lot of phone calls about it. People wondering if they can get it for takeout or not, or how the whole process works.”
As temperatures outside rise, it will eventually become extremely hot, Sanchez reported not frequently adapt in the kitchen.
“We power through. Every once in a while, everyone's up to go get things out of the walk in whenever we need anything for the line or go find something in the freezer," said Sanchez. "If we need to get something out of the freezer, and just giant jugs of water.”
Sanchez worked in Worcester restaurants for many years, and reported that as restaurant week continues, it gets occupied.
“After years of doing it in many different places, the first couple of days you see people trickling in and out. But by the second week, now that everyone's known and seen posts about it, that's where it really seems to pick up," Sanchez said. "This is a great time of year for it because overall it's a little bit more of a dead season, but it definitely helps bring in new customers.”
Worcester Restaurants Week operates until Sunday, August 10.
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering politics.
Image Source: Ramzi Boudina
France’s suspension of a long-standing visa deal with Algeria has ignited fresh tensions between the two countries, prompting Algiers to retaliate with legal rebuttals and policy reversals. From diplomatic flashpoints to deeper historical wounds, this is more than a paperwork dispute—it’s a reckoning decades in the making.
Jadetimes Briefing: The Algeria–France Diplomatic Rift
France unilaterally suspends key visa deal: Macron’s directive halts a 2013 agreement that allowed Algerian diplomats visa-free entry to France, citing breakdowns in migration enforcement and security cooperation.
Algeria responds with legal rebuttal and reciprocal measures: Algiers denounces the move as misleading and retaliatory, announcing the reinstatement of visa requirements for French officials and full withdrawal from the accord.
Underlying tensions resurface: The exchange reflects long-standing disputes over consular protocols, migration policy, colonial memory, and regional geopolitics—accelerated by France’s recent Western Sahara stance and the Amir DZ affair.
Mobility and diplomacy entangled: Official travel between the two states now faces increased restrictions, formalizing the freeze in bilateral trust through administrative tools.
Historical resonance meets present-day rupture: This isn’t merely bureaucratic—it’s the latest chapter in a relationship shaped by conquest, resistance, and political recalibration.
The news: A letter, a suspension, and a sharp reply
France escalated its standoff with Algeria after President Emmanuel Macron, in a letter published by French media, asked his government to suspend a 2013 agreement that allowed Algerian diplomatic and service passport holders to enter France without visas. He framed the step as necessary firmness amid migration and security disputes and instructed ministries to coordinate with Schengen partners on tighter controls for Algerian officials. The letter included the line: “France must be strong and command respect… This basic rule also applies to Algeria,” underscoring a shift from recent attempts at détente.
Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs fired back the next day, saying the letter “exonerates France entirely” and misrepresents reality. Algiers announced it would not only apply reciprocity, but also denounce the 2013 visa‑exemption agreement altogether, stressing that the deal had been requested by France in the first place. The ministry also cited French breaches of bilateral and international obligations and vowed to reimpose visas on French diplomatic passport holders in response to Paris’s suspension.
Paris tied the tighter stance to Algeria’s halt of consular cooperation in France, migration readmission frictions, and concern for Franco‑Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and French journalist Christophe Gleizes, both imprisoned in Algeria—cases France calls arbitrary. French officials further invoked a 2024 immigration law’s “visa‑readmission leverage” to restrict access for Algerian officials, explicitly linking future steps to Algiers’ cooperation on deportations.
What Macron’s letter said, and why it matters
Core instruction: Suspend the 2013 visa waiver for Algerian diplomatic/service passports, and seek Schengen coordination to ensure aligned short‑stay visa decisions for Algerian officials.
Rationale cited: Migration enforcement disputes (including readmissions), cessation of consular cooperation by Algeria’s missions in France, and high‑profile detentions of French or Franco‑Algerian figures in Algeria.
Tone and message: “France must be strong and command respect,” signaling a domestic and international posture of firmness after a year of reciprocal expulsions and security incidents.
This approach marks a clear pivot from the 2022 “reset,” where symbolism and cooperative mechanisms (like a historians’ commission) guided engagement. By packaging visas, migration, and judicial frictions into one directive letter, the Élysée used administrative levers to force attention from Algiers and to answer domestic pressure over migration and security narratives.
How Algerian authorities framed their clarifications
Algeria’s MFA laid out a three‑part rebuttal:
Attribution of blame: France “exonerates itself” and wrongly lays responsibility on Algeria; Algiers says its actions were reciprocal and lawful throughout the crisis.
Legal breaches: France allegedly violated its own legislation and bilateral frameworks, notably the 1968 agreement governing Algerians’ movement and residence in France, the 1974 consular convention, and the 2013 visa‑exemption accord, as well as European human rights obligations.
Reciprocity and sovereignty: Given France’s suspension, Algeria will denounce the 2013 agreement and reimpose visas on French diplomatic/service passports, insisting it does not yield to pressure, threats, or ultimatums.
The statement also condemned the reactivation of “visa‑readmission” leverage as contrary to bilateral and European commitments, pledging robust consular protection for Algerians in France and legal assistance against arbitrary measures.
How we got here: The year of escalation behind the letter
Western Sahara rupture (summer 2024): France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—long opposed by Algiers, which backs the Polisario Front—prompting Algeria to recall its ambassador and deepening mistrust.
The Amir DZ kidnapping affair (2024–2025): French authorities investigated the abduction of Algerian influencer Amir Boukhors near Paris; an Algerian consular employee was among suspects, triggering furious protests from Algiers over consular immunity and a cascade of reciprocal expulsions.
Diplomatic expulsions (2025): Algeria expelled French personnel; France responded in kind, calling Algiers’ moves “unjustified,” as the tit‑for‑tat widened8.
Consular freeze and migration standoff: Algeria’s suspension of consular cooperation in France collided with Paris’s push to increase readmissions under OQTF deportation orders, generating the “visa‑readmission” linkage in Macron’s letter.
High‑profile detentions in Algeria: The convictions of Boualem Sansal and Christophe Gleizes became cause célèbres in Paris, adding human‑rights urgency to the policy hardening.
Together, these episodes primed both sides for a paper trail confrontation—Macron’s letter and Algiers’ clarifications—that codified an already visible rupture.
The practical impact: Visas, mobility, and leverage
Diplomatic mobility: Suspension (France) and denunciation (Algeria) of the 2013 visa‑exemption deal mean more formalities, delays, and points of friction for official travel in both directions.
Schengen coordination: Paris asked partners to consult France before issuing visas to Algerian officials covered by the deal, widening the operational scope of the restriction.
Wider spillovers: Algerian media warned that hardened visa policies risk chilling academic, business, and family travel and could weigh on French business in Algeria, beyond diplomatic circles.
In short, the immediate levers are bureaucratic—but they bite. Visa policy is now a pressure point on par with ambassadorial recalls and expulsions.
How this correspondence compares with past flare‑ups
Episode
Instrument
Trigger
Signature features
Outcome
2021 “history” row
Public remarks, ambassador recall
Macron’s comments on Algerian nationhood and memory politics
Symbolic politics; memorial sensitivities
Months‑long freeze, later thawed in 2022 visit
2022 “reset”
High‑level visit, joint historians’ commission
Mutual interest in energy, security, and memory work
Administrative leverage via visas; legalistic rebuttals
Formal, codified rupture—reciprocity across the board
Unlike prior crises driven by speeches or security incidents, this episode centers on a written executive instruction with immediate administrative effects—and a matching legal‑diplomatic counter from Algiers. That makes it more durable than a headline quarrel and harder to unwind quickly.
The long arc: A concise history of Algeria–France relations
Early contacts and empire: Ties date to the 16th‑century Franco‑Ottoman alliance; Algiers was an Ottoman regency, and French–Algerian interactions included trade, corsair conflicts, and treaties across the 1600s.
Conquest and colonization (1830–1962): France invaded in 1830 after the “fly‑whisk” incident, established settler colonial rule, and integrated Algeria as departments. Colonization transformed society, economy, and demography, entrenching inequalities and violent repression.
War of independence (1954–1962): The FLN‑led struggle produced mass casualties on all sides and ended with independence in 1962; memory of torture, massacres, and displacement remains central to both polities.
Post‑independence dependency and friction: Despite anti‑colonial identity, Algeria’s early economy and migration channels remained entwined with France. Relations oscillated between pragmatic cooperation and resentments over history, migration, and security.
Memory politics and partial reckonings: France has made symbolic gestures (e.g., repatriation of resistance fighters’ remains in 2020) and acknowledged torture; debates over apologies, the Harkis, archives, and curricula keep the past politically alive.
Contemporary flashpoints: Migration policy, Sahel security coordination, energy ties, Western Sahara, and speech cases (writers, journalists, influencers) periodically force recalibration—reset in 2022, rupture in 2024–2025.
In short, the relationship spans five centuries and toggles between interdependence and indignation—where mobility, memory, and sovereignty repeatedly collide.
Timeline: From early ties to the 2025 letter
1526–1600s: Franco‑Ottoman alliance brings France into durable contact with the Regency of Algiers; centuries of maritime conflict, treaties, and trade ensue.
1830: French invasion begins; colonization consolidates over ensuing decades.
1954–1962: War of independence; Algeria achieves sovereignty.
2020: France repatriates remains of Algerian resistance fighters, a symbolic moment in memory politics.
Oct 2021: Macron’s remarks on Algerian history spark crisis; Algeria recalls its ambassador.
Aug 2022: Macron’s visit to Algiers launches a reset and historians’ commission.
July 2024: France recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara; Algeria sees betrayal and pulls back, deepening the rift.
2024–Apr 2025: Amir kidnapping case in France; arrest of an Algerian consular employee; reciprocal expulsions of diplomats.
Aug 2025: Macron’s letter suspends the 2013 visa‑exemption agreement; Algiers denounces the accord and imposes reciprocity.
What to watch next
Migration mechanics: Does Algeria restore consular cooperation and accept more OQTF readmissions—or does Paris escalate visa leverage further?
Judicial sensitivities: Any movement on Sansal or Gleizes could unlock symbolic concessions or harden positions.
Regional chessboard: France’s Western Sahara stance will continue to shape Algiers’ trust calculus; any EU‑wide posture shift would be consequential.
Backchannel pragmatism: Energy, health (hospital debts), and security files can offer quiet off‑ramps if both sides want them.
Expert analysis: The structure beneath the storm
This is a structurally layered dispute. At the surface, it’s a visa and migration fight; beneath, it’s about narrative control (who is at fault, whose law prevails), and deeper still, it’s about legitimacy and memory. By choosing a formal letter and a legal instrument (suspension of a bilateral accord), Paris converted political grievances into administrative action. Algiers’ legalistic rebuttal and outright denunciation mirrored that tactic, preserving sovereignty claims and parity. That symmetry suggests neither side intends to blink without bankable concessions.
For readers tracking the arc of Algeria–France, the lesson is familiar: moments of warmth tend to rest on symbolic scaffolding that struggles in the face of security shocks and domestic politics. Until both capitals can firewall migration and memory from day‑to‑day crisis management, even modest incidents can cascade into systemic freezes.
Glossary of key instruments and terms
2013 visa‑exemption agreement: Allowed holders of Algerian diplomatic and service passports to enter France visa‑free for short stays; suspended by France and denounced by Algeria in Aug 2025.
OQTF (Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français): French deportation regime at the heart of readmission disputes with Algeria.
Visa‑readmission leverage (France, 2024 law): Legal basis to restrict visas if a country is deemed non‑cooperative on migration readmissions.
Western Sahara: Disputed territory; France backed Morocco’s sovereignty in 2024, a major break with Algeria’s position supporting Sahrawi self‑determination via the Polisario Front.
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering politics.
Image Source: D. R.
From July 17 to 19, 2025, Algiers transformed into the epicenter of francophone humor as the 7th edition of the International Festival “Algé’Rire” convened at the Boualem-Bessaïh Opera House and the Mahieddine-Bachtarzi National Theater. Under the banner “Dz Spirit,” this milestone edition showcased a dynamic roster of Algerian and international stand-up talents, masterclasses for emerging comedians, and a cultural program designed to cement Algerian humor on the global stage.
Origins and Early Editions (2013–2016)
Algé’Rire was co-founded in 2013 by event producers Tarik Ouhadj and Racim Mahboub, inspired by Morocco’s Marrakech du Rire. Its inaugural edition ran from April 30 to May 4 at the Hilton Algiers Chapiteau, featuring Algerian and Franco-Algerian comedians with Smaïn as godfather, and guest appearances by Jamel Debbouze and Nawell Madani. The festival drew 8,000 attendees and established a template for combining local voices with international stars.
After a two-year hiatus, Algé’Rire Comedy returned in 2015 under the patronage of Algeria’s Ministry of Culture. Ramzy served as godfather, and the festival expanded to two stages at the Palace of Culture Zakaria, presenting 20 artists across nine shows—including a fully female lineup. By 2016, the third edition extended to Tlemcen and Oran, hosting over 60 artists and attracting 25,000 spectators in total.
Revival and International Expansion (2022–2024)
Following political challenges and the global pandemic, Algé’Rire resurfaced in 2022 with performances in Paris’s Théâtre de la République before returning to Algiers in October. This fourth edition marked the festival’s first concerted effort to export Algerian humor to francophone capitals, leveraging diaspora networks and digital outreach to expand its audience beyond North Africa.
Algé’Rire 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
Theme and Vision
Dz Spirit captured the essence of contemporary Algerian identity, blending sharp satire with social commentary. Organizers aimed to “highlight Algerian, African, and international humor” and foster cross-border artistic exchange under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Arts.
Venues and Setting
July 17, 2025: Boualem-Bessaïh Opera House — Grand opening gala directed by Farid Chamekh
July 18–19, 2025: Mahieddine-Bachtarzi National Theater — Stand-up showcases, closing night performances
The festival’s choice of historic venues elevated stand-up to an art form, marrying Algeria’s cultural heritage with modern comedic formats.
Lineup and Programming
Algé’Rire 2025 featured over a dozen headliners, including:
Abdelkader Secteur
Youness Hanifi
Ayoub Marceau
Merwane Benlazar
Juste Inès
Farès Barket
Mouaadh Bennaceur
Charly Nyobe (Cameroon)
Masterclasses by industry veterans offered workshops on writing, timing, and stagecraft, mentoring the next generation of Algerian comedians.
Casting and Talent Discovery
A nationwide casting tour in June 2025, spanning Constantine, Algiers, and Oran, welcomed 40 aspiring comics. Three finalists earned spots in the exclusive “100 % Dz” closing gala, demonstrating Algé’Rire’s commitment to unearthing regional talent and amplifying diverse voices.
Timeline of Algé’Rire Editions
Year
Edition
Cities
Key Highlights
2013
1st
Algiers
Inaugural festival; Smaïn as godfather; 8,000 attendees
2015
2nd
Algiers
Ramzy as godfather; two-stage format; 100% female show
2016
3rd
Algiers, Tlemcen, Oran
Over 60 artists; 25,000 spectators; Canal Algérie broadcasts
2022
4th
Paris, Algiers
Post-pandemic revival; first Paris stint; focus on diaspora audiences
2025
7th
Algiers (Boualem-Bessaïh, Mahieddine-Bachtarzi)
Dz Spirit; international lineup; masterclasses; national casting tour
Comparing Algé’Rire to Global Comedy Festivals
Festival
Founded
Location(s)
Scope
Unique Angle
Algé’Rire
2013
Algiers (+Paris, Montreal)
Francophone Africa
Fusion of Algerian identity and social satire
Marrakech du Rire
2011
Marrakech
Pan-African, global stars
Celebrity-driven, televised gala
Just for Laughs
1983
Montreal
International comedy market
Industry marketplace, gala performances
Edinburgh Fringe
1947
Edinburgh
Multi-genre arts festival
Largest open-access festival
While Marrakech du Rire capitalizes on celebrity headliners, Algé’Rire distinguishes itself through its roots in Algerian urban culture and its strategic diaspora outreach via Paris and Montreal tours. Its masterclass component parallels Just for Laughs’ talent incubator but with a distinctly regional focus.
Cultural Impact and Significance
Algé’Rire has become a vehicle for soft power and cultural diplomacy, projecting a modern, pluralistic image of Algeria. The festival nurtures comedic talent, stimulates creative industries, and fosters dialogue on social issues—from youth unemployment to gender norms—through the universal language of laughter. By engaging Algerian expatriates and francophone audiences abroad, Algé’Rire strengthens cultural ties and enhances Algeria’s visibility on the global arts stage.
Future Outlook and Legacy
Looking ahead, Algé’Rire aims to:
Expand digital streaming and on-demand content to reach diaspora communities worldwide.
Introduce year-round comedy labs in major Algerian cities to sustain talent pipelines.
Forge partnerships with international festivals for artist exchanges and co-productions.
With post-2025 tours slated for Paris and Montreal, the festival is poised to evolve from a national showcase into a cornerstone of global francophone comedy.
The 7th edition of Algé’Rire reaffirmed Algeria’s status as a rising hub of stand-up innovation, marrying tradition with comedic risk-taking. From its modest 2013 debut to its 2025 international footprint, the festival’s journey reflects broader cultural shifts: the empowerment of local voices, the harnessing of diaspora networks, and comedy’s potency as a tool for social reflection. As Algé’Rire charts its next chapter, it remains a testament to the enduring power of humor to connect, challenge, and inspire.
