Macron’s Moroccan Sojourn: A New Chapter or Same Old Story?
By Your Favorite Comedy Hybrid
Cue the Drumroll: A New Book is on the Way!
Ah yes, folks, French President Emmanuel Macron has donned his literary cap and is ready to co-author yet another gripping chapter in the riveting saga of Franco-Moroccan relations! Seriously, can we just take a moment to appreciate that Macron is standing next to King Mohammed VI, and they’re discussing ‘a new book’? Not exactly the latest thriller, is it? I mean, did they get Stephen King to ghostwrite this thing? I’d like to see the plot twist!
In what seemed like a 45-minute TED Talk on how to navigate friendship with style, Macron promised more than just idle banter. He reassured us that he supports “Moroccan sovereignty” in Western Sahara, which is kind of like saying you support your friend who insists on being the ‘King of the Couch’ while everyone else is vying for a seat at a crowded table. But in true political fashion, he added the quintessential “but” to his statement, calling for more results in the face of illegal immigration. Because let’s face it, ‘sovereignty’ and ‘immigration’ go together like peas in a pod—if that pod were filled with drama!
A Sovereignty Saga with a Side of Immigration
And speaking of dramas, let’s peel back the layers on Western Sahara! This place has been the ‘Gossip Girl’ of international politics for half a century, with Morocco on one side, the Polisario Front on the other, and Algeria tipping the scales like a quinceañera piñata. Macron boldly claimed, “the present and future” of Western Sahara “are part of the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” Cue the raucous applause from the Moroccan Parliament! It’s like performing magic tricks at a magician’s convention—of course, everyone’s going to be thrilled!
Macron was quick to assure that his backing was not ‘hostile’ to any of his neighbors, even while passing the popcorn to watch the reaction from Algeria, who recalled their ambassador like a teenager unleashing a storm on social media after being ‘unfollowed’. There’s drama shadowing the streets of Rabat and Paris, and our dear leader is making headlines while riding that diplomatic roller coaster.
Immigration: A Comedy of Cooperation
Shift your focus to the illegal immigration saga, where Macron is calling for “natural and fluid cooperation.” Can’t you just picture the French president gesturing grandly, while behind him sit immigration officers coordinating like a synchronized swimming team? One might wonder if ‘fluid cooperation’ is code for ‘Can you take your illegal immigrants back home more quickly, please?’ Not to mention the visa cuts of the past couple of years, which turned negotiations into a game of diplomatic chicken.
Budget cuts can make or break a relationship, especially when they’re about as unpopular as pineapple on pizza. But now, with Macron’s new right-wing government promising a “spirit of dialogue,” one can only hope they’re ready to put the ‘fun’ back in ‘dysfunctional’!
Contracts, Agreements, and A Whole Lot of Business
As we wind down to the contracts part of the trip, it’s like watching a scene from an awkward family reunion where everyone is pulling out their contracts rather than their old photo albums. Macron is set to close the Morocco-France Entrepreneurial Meetings, which sounds more exciting than a trip to the dentist! After signing 21 agreements already, this shiny portfolio might just include some seriously high-stakes business—10 billion euros in investments! Why go to Vegas when you can gamble with government contracts?
Among the exciting deals, you have Alstom, the high-speed train folks, and TotalEnergies powering up for a green hydrogen extravaganza. Is this the new theme park ride we didn’t know we wanted? “Welcome to Renewable Energy World! Buckle up for electrifying agreements and a sustainable future!” Imagine that flowing energy ride now!
Jacques Serais (special correspondent in Rabat), with AFP / Photo credits: Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP 2:28 p.m., October 29, 2024, modified at 7:08 p.m., October 29, 2024
A “new book together to meet the challenges of the 21st century”: French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday invited the King of Morocco Mohammed VI to seal a new partnership, reaffirming his support for “Moroccan sovereignty” in Western Sahara but 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 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 present and future” of Western Sahara “are part of the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”
Much awaited on Western Sahara, a true “national cause” in Morocco, the president reaffirmed that “the present and the future” of this disputed territory “are part of the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”, arousing loud applause from the elected.
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.
Macron calls for “natural and fluid cooperation” on the fight against illegal immigration
On the fight against illegal immigration, which constitutes a “strong expectation in France”, the Head of State 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, is due to meet his counterpart Abdelouafi Laftit in the afternoon to see how to speed up the returns of Moroccans in an irregular situation arrested in France.
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”.
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. .
The signing of new contracts expected Tuesday afternoon
Emmanuel Macron will close the Morocco-France Entrepreneurial Meetings in the afternoon, an opportunity to secure new contracts after already a series of 21 agreements signed the day before in the presence of the monarch. And he will participate in a sequence dedicated to video games in the presence of French and Moroccan professionals, in order to help the development of the sector in Morocco.
The agreements concern rail transport, renewable energies of which Morocco intends to become a champion, water, the port sector and even the energy transition. Alstom must in particular 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 company 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. Accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron and a plethoric delegation of ministers, business owners, intellectuals and entertainment personalities, the French president was greeted on Monday when he got off the plane with a long handshake from the monarch, in a dark suit and leaning on a cane, to the sound of 21 cannon shots.
N euros” hanging in the balance. The recent visit marks a crucial step in mending relationships and fostering cooperation in areas that concern both nations.
### Reaffirming Bonds and Building Futures
As Macron continues to navigate the tricky waters of international diplomacy, his emphasis on “writing a new book together” with Morocco signals a desire for a fresh start. This partnership is not merely a nostalgic flashback to colonial times but rather a strategic move to address contemporary challenges, including security, immigration, and economic collaboration.
Macron’s support for Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara was a significant talking point. By framing this issue within the broader context of Moroccan sovereignty, he aims to solidify alliances within the region. However, the balancing act continues, particularly with Algeria, which remains a key player in the standoff over Western Sahara and has shown a readiness to react defensively to perceived threats to its interests.
Macron’s call for increased “natural and fluid cooperation” regarding illegal immigration is equally critical. With rising numbers of undocumented migrants seeking refuge in Europe, France is eager to enhance its collaboration with Morocco to manage these flows effectively. The French government’s previous visa cuts have undoubtedly strained relations, and it remains to be seen how the new dialogues will recalibrate these dynamics.
### Economic Collaborations
The entrepreneurial meetings and proposed investment agreements reflect a pragmatic approach to strengthening France-Morocco relations. By discussing potential investments up to 10 billion euros, Macron highlights the prospects of economic growth that can arise from partnerships in renewable energy and infrastructure development. Companies like Alstom and TotalEnergies are at the forefront, signaling a shift towards sustainability that aligns with global demands for greener practices.
The proposed agreements are not merely transactional; they represent deeper commitments to a shared future. As both nations grapple with the demands of the 21st century, the inclusion of sustainable initiatives could serve as a model for similar partnerships worldwide.
### Conclusion: A Diplomatic Road Ahead
Macron’s Moroccan visit illustrates a complex tapestry woven from threads of political affinity, economic ambition, and historical ties. Every handshake, every agreement, and every statement carries the weight of expectation—both from domestic audiences and international observers.
As they embark on this renewed partnership, the involved parties must remain vigilant. The road ahead will inevitably encounter speed bumps, whether from regional politics, immigration challenges, or domestic pressures. However, with a collective commitment to dialogue and cooperation, there’s potential for lasting impact far beyond the immediate agreements.
Now more than ever, the ability to strike a balance between sovereignty and shared responsibility is vital. And as for any good drama, we can only wait and see how this intricate plot unfolds!
Until the next chapter in this saga of international relations, remember to keep an eye on the headlines, for the world of diplomacy is as unpredictable as it is captivating!
