French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Wednesday that Paris has not set a 'target' for the number of visas granted to Algerians and that it shows 'no leniency', after remarks by the French ambassador about working to increase the number of visas sparked widespread controversy in France, according to AFP.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said that 'the President of the Republic was keen to correct the statements made by our ambassador in Algeria that have been widely circulated in recent days, particularly regarding the number of visas.'

She added, quoting Macron: 'France has embarked on a demanding process regarding major issues and topics with Algeria, however, there are no numerical targets for visas, and there is no leniency on the part of France.'

In an interview with the media 'Everything About Algeria' (TSA), French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet spoke of an 'increase' in the number of visas granted to Algerians with the aim of 'most likely returning' to pre-crisis levels, when the number was 250,000 visas per year, sparking a wave of resentment from the right and far right in France.

Leader of the National Rally party Jordan Bardella denounced what he described as 'submission', while Republican party presidential candidate Bruno Retailleau described it as a 'concession', as Paris seeks to establish calmer relations with Algeria following a series of tensions.

The French government spokesperson added that since his election in 2017, Macron has 'made a decision to reduce these numbers to align with France's needs on one hand, and the geopolitical reality on the other,' noting that 500,000 visas were being issued annually at that time.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said: 'I have participated in discussions with Algeria, and we have never touched on this topic.'