French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot called Algeria’s expulsion of 12 French embassy staff “regrettable and unacceptable,” warning that the move will not go without consequences.

Speaking to France 2 on Tuesday, Barrot stated, “If Algeria chooses to escalate, we will respond as firmly as possible,” emphasizing that France would have “no choice but to take reciprocal measures.”

Barrot defended French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has been criticized by Algerian authorities, clarifying that he had “no involvement” in the judicial case that led to the arrest of a consular staff member.

On Monday, Algeria ordered 12 French officials working at the embassy and consular posts to leave within 48 hours, in response to the arrest of three Algerian nationals in France. Barrot denounced the move as “unjustified” and called on Algeria to reverse its decision or face an immediate response from Paris.