On February 27, Emmanuel Macron declared that he wanted to continue to “move forward” with Morocco, despite the tensions in place. Disputes between the two countries had escalated in recent months following a decision by the European Parliament and the extradition of Sébastien Raoult.
During a speech devoted to French policy in Africa, Emmanuel Macron declared this Monday, February 27, that France would continue to “move forward” to improve its relations with Morocco.
As a reminder, the Moroccan ambassador to France had been recalled by the King of Morocco on January 19, 2023. If Morocco affirms that it is only a question of accumulation of mandates on the part of the ambassador, the timing of this recall took place in a much more complicated European context.
The escalation of tensions between France and Morocco
On January 19, 2023, the European Parliament adopted a text asking the Moroccan authorities to “respect freedom of expression and freedom of the media” while granting “a fair trial” to the three journalists imprisoned in Morocco. The same text also accused the country of using “allegations of sexual assault to dissuade journalists from carrying out their duties”, calling into question the rights of women. Morocco, very angry at this decision of the European Parliament, has decided to reconsider its relations with it.
Another source of tension: the case of Sébastien Raoult. This young Frenchman accused of espionage by the FBI had been arrested in Morocco and extradited to the United States by the kingdom. A new action that seemed to escalate tensions between the two countries.
Emmanuel Macron, still wants to “move forward” with Morocco
During a conference where he discussed French policy in Africa, the President of the Republic declared, despite the “controversies”, to want to “move forward” even if “the period is not the best”. Before adding “The king knows it. We had several discussions, there are personal relations which are friendly.”
As for the tensions between the North African country and the European Parliament, Emmanuel Macron announced “Afterwards, there are always people who try to highlight the adventures, the scandals in the European Parliament, the listening subjects who have been revealed by the press. Adding that he was “deeply concerned” by “allegations that the Moroccan authorities have corrupted members of the European Parliament”. A way for the president to reach out to Morocco? The future will tell.