France will accelerate declassification of Algeria war files, Elysee Palace says

France will speed up the declassification of secret defense archives, including those related to its war with Algeria, as it continues to grapple with its colonial history. France colonized Algeria from 1830 until its independence in 1962 following a seven-year war.

The Elysee Palace said French President Emmanuel Macron took the decision to introduce a new procedure which will accelerate the declassification process for defense documents up to the year 1970. The Elysee said Macron was "determined to promote respect for historical truth." The new rule comes in from March 11.