Marine Le Pen Criticizes France’s Delay in Recognizing Moroccan Sovereignty over Western Sahara
Marine Le Pen, President of France’s National Rally party, has criticized the French government for its delayed recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and the ongoing efforts by Morocco over decades to enhance stability and security in the region.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Le Pen stated, “Western Sahara is an integral part of the Kingdom of Morocco, and we must support all pragmatic initiatives by the Moroccan authorities to calm this region and ensure its development.”
France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and its endorsement of the autonomy plan as the sole basis for a political resolution to the protracted conflict has been widely welcomed by the French political class, particularly among far-right parties. This endorsement has intensified tensions in Franco-Algerian relations.
President Emmanuel Macron’s letter to Moroccan King Mohammed VI, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Throne Day, highlighted a significant shift in France’s stance on the Western Sahara issue and its bilateral relations with Morocco. It underscored the French government’s awareness of the need to align with international dynamics, especially following the diplomatic strains between Paris and Rabat over the past three years.
Morocco is a pivotal country for France, as it views Rabat as the gateway for European access to Africa. The political circles in France place great importance on Morocco’s role in enhancing security and stability in the region and the Mediterranean Sea.
The French step opens a new chapter in relations between Morocco and Paris. French newspaper Libération commented on the resumption of dialogue between the two countries, noting that this development sets the stage for a new partnership with Rabat, including long-term projects in infrastructure, environment, and education.
The Élysée is keen to reinforce and maintain the relationship with Morocco. The newspaper also noted President Macron’s return to pragmatic politics, particularly after King Mohammed VI’s letter on July 14, which conveyed his best wishes for the French people and the prosperity of France.
Observers point out that Le Pen’s stance is not new, as French right-wing parties, including traditional, center-right, and far-right factions, have historically been close to Morocco. Former French Presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy adopted positions aligned with the Moroccan stance on Western Sahara.
Since taking leadership of the National Rally (formerly the National Front), Le Pen has been diligent in building strong political ties within Moroccan political circles.
Algeria has protested France’s decision to join other European countries such as Spain and Germany in supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for its Sahara regions, proposed since 2007. In response to the French President’s official recognition of Moroccan sovereignty, the Algerian government promptly withdrew its ambassador from Paris.
Algeria’s statement criticized the French government’s unprecedented action, accusing it of serious disregard and lack of foresight regarding the consequences. Analysts view this as an attempt by Algerian authorities to cover up their failure to use the Polisario Front effectively as a tool against Morocco, with little success.
