Macron’s Moroccan Musings: A New Strategic Chapter or Just Hot Air?
In a recent performance that even the finest of stand-up comedians would struggle to match, Emmanuel Macron took to the stage—apologies, the Moroccan Parliament—in Rabat to lay down the law on Western Sahara. With a delivery that was as solemn as a nun on a Sunday, he assured the gathering that “the present and the future” of this contentious region are firmly ensconced within the embrace of Moroccan sovereignty. Cue the applause from elected officials—because nothing says democracy like clapping enthusiastically at a carefully orchestrated political stunt.
Ah, the ol’ “let’s write a new book” analogy! Macron, in his 45-minute soliloquy—an impressive feat for someone whose speeches usually feel more like quick bathroom breaks—evoked the spirit of a new partnership with King Mohammed VI. And to sweeten the deal, he asked for “results” in the fight against illegal immigration. Because, apparently, that was the part of the show that needed a bit of a punch-up. He must be channeling his inner David Attenborough, “Let’s protect our borders, and by the way, can someone please get me a cuppa while I’m at it?”
The Weight of Sovereignty
“Strategic duty” was thrown around like confetti, binding not just France and Morocco, but the entire European Union and Maghreb region—because why not include the rest of Europe in this international soap opera? Yet, the murky waters of Western Sahara bubble tumultuously; the former Spanish colony is still doing its best impression of a Tinder date gone wrong between Morocco and the Polisario Front, with Algiers shaking its fist in the background like a disgruntled parent.
Macron assured those watching, probably smirking from the benches, that this new stance wasn’t “hostile to anyone.” Oh, I can hear the Algerians clang their pots and pans already! “Over my dead body!” they might’ve shouted. But Macron was quick on his feet, pledging to sprinkle in investments and initiatives, suggesting that local communities would benefit—let’s hope the locals get more than just good intentions wrapped in shiny paper.
Revising Maps and Diplomatic Faux Pas
Following Macron’s grandstanding, enter the head of diplomacy, Jean-Noël Barrot! He proudly announced the “updating” of the map of Morocco and Western Sahara on the French government’s website—nothing quite like a political map overhaul to signal one’s intentions, wouldn’t you agree?
Speaking of intention, Macron’s latest immigration push feels suspiciously like a game of diplomatic chess, where both players… well, forget the rules; they’re making it up as they go! The Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, was meeting his Moroccan counterpart to discuss the ongoing saga of Moroccan nationals in France. It’s like asking for a menu at a restaurant—only to be told they’re out of what you wanted. “Oh, readmissions? Well, we can certainly chat about that, just don’t expect anything too hearty,” seems to be the vibe here.
A Feast of Contracts? Not Quite a Banquet!
To sweeten the deal with the Moroccan monarchy, Macron came bearing gifts of contracts! Over several days, 40 agreements were signed—focusing on everything from rail transport to renewable energy. It’s a buffet table of investment, with each serving aimed at the enticing goal of a new beginning, and, you guessed it, “up to ten billion euros” at stake! The French President must have felt like a kid in a candy store—but at a store that only accepts payments in political favors.
Among the highlights? Veolia planning to develop the largest seawater desalination project in Africa. Because nothing adds to diplomatic charm like access to clean water—talk about refreshing! And then there’s Alstom, hopping on the high-speed train to Marrakech for a ride that probably won’t smooth out the bumps in the political relationship anytime soon.
As Macron continues his diplomatic escapades, the question on everyone’s lips remains: is this a genuine partnership, or simply a tactical play masquerading as a heartfelt reunion? Only time will tell! But until then, let’s enjoy the show, folks—who doesn’t love a rousing political drama?
And there you have it—a cheeky but thorough commentary on Macron’s Moroccan visit, written to entertain and engage while still shedding light on the intricate diplomatic dance!
Emmanuel Macron solemnly reaffirmed, Tuesday October 29 before the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, that “the present and the future” of Western Sahara “are part of[ai]ent within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”, eliciting loud applause from elected officials.
A “new book together to meet the challenges of the 21st century”, assured the French president, inviting the King of Morocco Mohammed VI to seal a new partnership, while asking for more “results” in the fight against illegal immigration.
On this 25th anniversary of the reign of Mohammed VI, “I see the opportunity and the necessity to write this new book”, launched the French head of state in a solemn 45-minute speech before Parliament in Rabat. It is “even a strategic duty” between France and Morocco, but also between “the European Union and the Maghreb and beyond”, he insisted, on the second day of his state visit to Morocco.
Emmanuel Macron invited the sovereign to sign a new bilateral “strategic framework” in 2025 in Paris on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Declaration which sealed Morocco’s independence from France, at Celle-Saint-Cloud on November 6 1955.
The former Spanish colony of Western Sahara, considered a “non-autonomous territory” by the UN, has pitted Morocco against the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, supported by Algiers, for half a century.
“This position is not hostile to anyone,” assured Emmanuel Macron in a response to criticism from Algeria, which recalled its ambassador to Paris after France’s step towards the kingdom. “And I say it here too with great force, our operators and our companies will support the development of these territories through investments, sustainable and solidarity initiatives for the benefit of local populations,” he added.
In the wake of the presidential speech, the head of diplomacy Jean-Noël Barrot announced that his ministry had “updated” the map of Morocco and Western Sahara posted on its site to take into account the new situation.
“Our ambassador will go there next week. We will increase our consular and cultural action there with a view to creating a French Alliance,” he added, while the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati spoke of the upcoming inauguration of a Higher Institute for audiovisual and cinema professions with an African dimension in Dakhla, a large city in Western Sahara on the Atlantic Ocean.
“High expectations” on immigration
On the fight against illegal immigration, which constitutes a “strong expectation in France”, Emmanuel Macron called for “natural and fluid cooperation” with Morocco and for “even more results”.
The new French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, who has made this subject his hobby horse, met his counterpart Abdelouafi Laftit in the afternoon. At the heart of the discussions, the “readmissions of Moroccan nationals in an irregular situation”, whom France wishes to expel without always succeeding, notably due to a lack of consular passes from Rabat.
In front of the press, Bruno Retailleau assured their common desire to act on “identification procedures for people whose origin is not documented”, in order to “shorten deadlines” and “do better in terms of numbers of people readmitted.
“This issue receives particular attention from both parties within a framework of common responsibilities,” replied the Moroccan minister, without however making a concrete announcement.
France’s decision to halve the number of visas granted to Moroccans in 2021-2022 to push Rabat to take back more nationals had led to strong tensions between the two countries. Michel Barnier’s new right-wing government has promised to begin discussions “in a spirit of dialogue”, drawing lessons from “past mistakes”.
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The French president was welcomed on Monday with great fanfare by King Mohammed VI in order to rebuild ties that are as historic as they have been deeply strained for three years by quarrels, with contracts and investments “up to ten billion euros” at stake. .
In total, 40 agreements were signed on Monday and Tuesday, focusing primarily on rail transport, renewable energies – of which Morocco intends to become a champion –, water, the port sector and even the energy transition.
Among the major projects announced on Tuesday, the French group Veolia will develop a seawater desalination project in Morocco, presented as the largest in Africa and the second in the world.
Alstom should also take part in the construction of the second section of the Tangier-Marrakech high-speed train line by supplying 12 to 18 trainsets. The first section was inaugurated by the king and the French president in 2018.
The French TotalEnergies, for its part, signed one of the largest agreements for the development of the green hydrogen sector in Morocco.
Another big part, Engie and the Cherifian Phosphate Office signed a “partnership in the energy transition” agreement, including renewable energies.
With AFP
