HIBAPRESS – Follow-up
Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal announced his decision to leave France permanently, a move that sparked widespread reaction within cultural and media circles.
Sansal explained in a notable statement that his relationship with France had come to an end, indicating that he would leave soon after a short period there for treatment, amid strained relations with some components of the cultural scene, especially with the increasing debate over freedom of expression and the overlap of literature and politics. These statements came as he joined the Royal Academy of French Language and Literature in Belgium, where he expressed his gratitude for this honor, which he considered important moral support after difficult experiences, including his imprisonment in Algeria before receiving a presidential pardon. The 81-year-old writer also indicated that this stage gave him a new impetus to continue, despite the criticism he has recently faced, especially after his move to the publishing house “Grasset” belonging to the “Hachette” group, associated with businessman Vincent Bolloré, which caused controversy that Sansal rejected, confirming that he was not associated with any political orientations. He is expected to release a new book entitled "The Myth" next June, which deals with his experience in prison and his disagreements with his former publisher. 🗣️ Boualem Sansal : "La France, c'est fini pour moi, il me reste quelques mois à tirer dans ce pays et je me tire", a déclaré l'écrivain à la veille de son intronisation à l'Académie royale de Belgique pic.twitter.com/GPkFa1fAlE — LCI (@LCI) April 25, 2026
