French MP criticizes Macron over Western Sahara map display in French National Assembly
French Communist MP Jean-Paul Lecoq, known for his support of the Polisario Front and Algeria, has strongly criticized the display of a map of Morocco that includes the Sahara in a room of the French National Assembly.
«I noticed that the world map in our Foreign Affairs Committee room had been replaced. The previous map (the one used by the UN) distinguished Western Sahara from Morocco with different colors, thus respecting international law. Now, this new map represents these two territories with the same color, suggesting a Moroccan Sahara. This aligns with the wishes of the President of the Republic», said Lecoq.
«The President of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Fuchs (from the Democratic Movement led by Prime Minister Bayrou, ed.), made this decision alone, without discussing it with the Vice-Presidents», Lecoq denounced, supported by Clémentine Autain (formerly of LFI).
The Communist MP strongly criticized Macron's policy on the issue, accusing him of having «given Western Sahara to Morocco without consulting anyone». According to Lecoq, it is the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara that strained relations between Paris and Algiers, not the arrest of writer Boualem Sansal.
To recall, on October 29, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs published on its website the full map of Morocco, including the Sahara, officially marking France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory. This position was reaffirmed by President Emmanuel Macron in his speech to the Moroccan Parliament, as well as in a letter dated July 30 addressed to King Mohammed VI.
In June 2018, Jean-Paul Lecoq initiated the creation of the «International Network of Parliamentarians for the Self-Determination of Western Sahara», an initiative supported by Algeria, at the headquarters of the French National Assembly. In March 2024, he organized a parliamentary session focused on examining the exploitation of the Sahara's resources by Morocco. When not hosting meetings in support of the Polisario, Lecoq organizes visits to the Lower House's headquarters for members of the Front.
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