Poll: French View Morocco Favorably, Algeria Less So

Morocco enjoys a largely positive image with 68% of French people having a "good image" of the kingdom, followed by Tunisia (60%). This is the result of a poll highlighting contrasting views on the diplomatic and political issues shaping relations between France and the Maghreb, conducted by Ifop-Fiducial for Sud Radio. Algeria, on the other hand, is less popular than the other two Maghreb countries. Only 29% of French people have a "good image" of Algeria, a figure that remains low although slightly up from 2012 (26%).

"Political proximity also influences these perceptions," says Sud Radio. In total, 81% of Green sympathizers have a good image of Morocco. Only 14% of National Rally (RN) supporters have a good image of Algeria. The French were also asked about certain decisions made by France. 64% of respondents approve of France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Regarding the Franco-Algerian agreements, 61% of respondents say they are in favor of the revocation of the agreements related to visa facilities and family reunification (1968 agreement).