Far-Right Surge in French Elections: Impact on Morocco Relations Examined

Could the legislative elections in France undermine Franco-Moroccan relations? Jeune Afrique answers in the negative, explaining that the orientations of French policy go far beyond the scope of the parties, and the French State knows well that its interest lies more than ever in the establishment of strategic partnerships with Morocco. To support its argument, the pan-African magazine recalls that the policy previously adopted by French President Emmanuel Macron, when he aligned himself with Algeria to the detriment of Moroccan interests, has shown how much it was a failure, with the consequence of the loss of many opportunities with a country that has succeeded in diversifying its partnerships and alliances, and which is a reliable partner of the European Union and many great powers, mainly the United States of America.

Moreover, France is one of the largest foreign investors in Morocco, it is involved in many joint projects strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, in the fields of renewable energies, infrastructure and processing industries. "France’s position will not change, because it emanates from a deep state that has well analyzed the regional situation and drawn the lessons from it, particularly after an unbalanced rapprochement with Algeria to the detriment of Morocco’s well-understood interests," analyzed Zakaria Aboudahab, professor at the University Mohammed V of Rabat. Another very important aspect: France supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara proposed to the UN by investing in the stability of the region. Rabat expects Paris to recognize its sovereignty over the Sahara. It is not excluded that a far-right government will take this step.