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Finally, France Admits it Does Not Provide Development Aid to Algeria
Finally, France Admits it Does Not Provide Development Aid to Algeria

El Chorouk

time5 days ago

  • Politics
  • El Chorouk

Finally, France Admits it Does Not Provide Development Aid to Algeria

Another card in France's political bargaining with Algeria has fallen: development aid. Many politicians and media figures in Paris have used this as a lucrative tool to mislead public opinion, in an attempt to mobilise it amid the escalating political and diplomatic crisis between the two capitals, which is approaching its first year. In this regard, Rémy Rioux, Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD), ended the controversy sparked by statements made by several French officials regarding 'alleged' aid to the Algerian state within the framework of bilateral cooperation. This statement came too late, after the issue had reached the French judicial authorities and sparked a protracted, false political controversy. Rioux also refuted the recurring rhetoric of certain members of the French far right about France's alleged annual aid to Algeria, statements recently relayed by MP Sarah Knafo, and which Algeria has officially denied, going so far as to initiate legal action. Rémy Rioux finally admitted in a program broadcast on the French public parliamentary channel LCP with frankness and clarity that debunked these allegations during his appearance two days ago, declaring that the agency he heads 'does not finance any projects in Algeria.' He clarified that the only existing support is limited to scholarships awarded to Algerian students pursuing their studies in France, thus exposing the instrumentalisation of this issue by the extreme right in its hostile discourse towards Algeria. 'We do not provide funding. What is announced as aid relates only to scholarships provided to Algerian students in France and is not the responsibility of the French Development Agency,' he explained. This statement raises several questions about its timing and why this official did not break his silence when the debate was spurious and clarify the situation. He added unambiguously that the AFD 'does not carry out any activity in Algeria and does not provide any direct financing,' stressing that 'Algeria does not borrow from us and does not ask for money,' unlike Morocco, with which, according to him, the agency 'has been collaborating closely recently', as Paris's strong partner referring to the period following the recent French position on the Western Sahara issue. According to sources familiar with the matter, the aid the French were discussing was directed exclusively to certain private Algerian schools, to strengthen the status of French in Algeria. The condition was that various subjects be taught in French, a measure that violates the laws of the Ministry of Education. However, this was subject to strict instructions from the relevant ministry requiring teaching in a Western language. The ministry also issued a decision prohibiting private schools from receiving any financial aid from France, after the issue of bogus aid was raised. Last February, a false debate erupted regarding French aid to Algeria. Extremist European MP Sarah Knafo, elected from the far-right 'Reconquest Party' led by Éric Zemmour, claimed that Algeria would receive 800 million euros each year, while refusing to repatriate its illegal immigrants, a claim that Algerian authorities considered unfounded. The French embassy in Algeria soon issued inaccurate clarifications. It indicated that the amount of French development aid granted to Algeria in 2022 was 132 million euros, the largest share of which went to scholarships for Algerian students in France, subject to conditions that did not necessarily adhere to clear and precise criteria. This issue sparked official Algerian astonishment at the time, expressed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who addressed the French in a press statement without naming them: '…There are those who say we give them aid and money. Algeria needs only God Almighty and its children. We embrace and love our friends, and whoever wants to antagonise us, that's their business.' The Algerian Press Service also weighed in, denying the existence of French aid to Algeria and accusing the French far-right of being behind this fake news. The agency wrote: 'European Commission statistics for 2022 indicate that the total value of this aid does not exceed 130 million euros. It confirmed that 80% of this money did not even leave French territory, being paid directly to support its educational institutions that receive Algerian students, under its economic priorities. The remaining 20% financed programs aimed at promoting the French language, culture and economic interest in Algeria.' The agency also mocked French politicians who adopted this rhetoric: 'If this aid exists, Algeria would gladly give it up.'

24,000 women-led projects financed since 2020 through MSMEDA–AFD partnership
24,000 women-led projects financed since 2020 through MSMEDA–AFD partnership

Daily News Egypt

time06-07-2025

  • Business
  • Daily News Egypt

24,000 women-led projects financed since 2020 through MSMEDA–AFD partnership

Approximately 24,000 small and micro-enterprises led by women have been financed across Egypt since 2020 under the Women's Enterprise Support Programme, according to Basel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA). Implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), the initiative has targeted both rural and urban areas, with a focus on Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta, creating around 60,000 job opportunities. Speaking on Rahmy's behalf at the programme's closing conference, Raafat Abbas, Deputy CEO of MSMEDA, noted that the funding was delivered through multiple channels—banks, finance companies, NGOs, and direct lending via MSMEDA's branch network. Rahmy emphasised MSMEDA's commitment to deepening partnerships with international development institutions that prioritise women's economic empowerment, adding that such collaboration helps Egypt benefit from global expertise in implementing inclusive programmes. Empowering Women across Productive Sectors The Women's Enterprise Support Programme, launched in January 2020, offered support across a range of productive sectors including food processing, garment manufacturing, and traditional tent-making (khayamiya). Women entrepreneurs benefited from vocational training, marketing assistance, and the opportunity to participate in exhibitions. Rahmy stressed that MSMEDA's strategy reflects a clear national vision to empower women economically and position them as key contributors to the Egyptian economy. This vision, he added, aligns closely with the priorities of AFD and Egypt's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also praised the strong partnership between MSMEDA and AFD and acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and the National Council for Women, whose coordination helped ensure the programme's effectiveness. Tailored Support and Community Impact Abbas explained that the programme began with a comprehensive market assessment of the status of women's entrepreneurship in Egypt. The resulting studies helped shape customised financial products and credit solutions to support women-led businesses and promote sustainable employment. In addition to financial support, the programme provided non-financial services and capacity-building workshops in areas such as Ezbet Khairallah (Cairo), El-Desmi (Giza), and Old Cairo. These activities included training in business planning, marketing, and management, as well as assistance in accessing trade exhibitions. AFD: Programme Exceeded Expectations Representing the French Development Agency, Andrew Hanna, Director of Sustainable Development Projects, commended the programme's strong results, particularly given its launch amid the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elsa Favre, Director of the Sustainable Development Sector at AFD, reiterated the importance of the initiative to both the agency and the Egyptian government, praising its lasting contribution to women's empowerment and inclusive growth. The closing conference concluded with the honouring of participating NGOs and outstanding women entrepreneurs, and a mini-exhibition showcasing products created by beneficiaries from across the programme's supported communities.

France launches 'diplomatic reserve' to boost soft power
France launches 'diplomatic reserve' to boost soft power

Euronews

time03-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Euronews

France launches 'diplomatic reserve' to boost soft power

France on Thursday launched a "diplomatic reserve" it hopes will attract 1,000 people before the end of the year to enhance assistance to citizens including those fleeing conflicts, counter disinformation about its diplomacy, and boost its soft power abroad. "Any French or European citizen aged 18 or over can join this civic reserve, if he or she adheres to a charter and a cardinal principle: the general interest," Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said in a speech. "And our ambitions are high, commensurate with our diplomatic network, which, with 163 embassies and 208 consulates general, is the third largest in the world. Our diplomacy must be present everywhere, right down to the last kilometre that sometimes separates us from our most distant compatriots," he added. Reservists will have three main aims: public service and protecting French citizens abroad, defending the country's interests in all bilateral, European and multilateral forums, and ensuring France's voice is understood at home and heard around the world. Their tasks may include providing telephone support for the crisis and support centre, which coordinates the protection of French nationals and the country's emergency humanitarian action. "Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Iran, the crisis centre has answered 12,000 calls in 12 days. And 1,000 French nationals have benefited from our assistance to return to France. In such situations, telephone assistance is essential, and requires a large number of volunteers," Barrot said. Providing logistical and protocol support during major events - including G7 meetings under the French presidency next year - as well as digital expertise to counter disinformation or promote France's efforts are among the other main tasks the reserve is looking for. The Foreign ministry will on Monday ask all its ambassadors to map out their needs before the end of the year in order to draw up a comprehensive catalogue of potential assignments. The reserve will have two contingents. The first one is to be filled with current or former employees of the foreign ministry, as well as employees of French agencies that have an international focus such as the French Development Agency, advisors to French people abroad, and academics with whom the ministry already works. About 200 people have already expressed an interest in joining, Barrot said, adding that the aim is to grow this contingent to 1,000 people before the end of the year. A second group will be made up of people who volunteer or work for international solidarity NGOs, or in French associations abroad, as well as international technical experts, think-tankers, and business leaders who "play an essential role in our economic diplomacy", Barrot said. Parliamentary approval will be required to set up this contingent, with the legal process set to kickstart next week. The establishment of this diplomatic reserve was first announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2023 in a speech to the French diplomatic corps in which he sought to appease them after a proposed reform to their services the year before prompted them to strike for the first time. The reform sought to gradually phase out the two corps that manage diplomatic staff, in what the government said was a bid to open up diplomatic positions to greater diversity.

After updating Morocco's map to include the Sahara, France revises the Kingdom's total area
After updating Morocco's map to include the Sahara, France revises the Kingdom's total area

Ya Biladi

time31-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Ya Biladi

After updating Morocco's map to include the Sahara, France revises the Kingdom's total area

France continues to update its official data on Morocco following its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. After publishing the kingdom's complete map, including the southern provinces, on October 29, 2024, French diplomacy has now updated Morocco's official area on its website—raising it from 446,550 km² to 710,850 km². This update reflects the political decisions made by Paris, notably following the letter sent by President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI on July 30, 2024. Earlier this week, the French ambassador inaugurated a visa application office in Laayoune, marking another step in this policy shift. This opening follows the announcement of a €150 million investment in Morocco's Saharan provinces, made by the Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD) during a visit to Laayoune. It's worth recalling that in February, both the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, and the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, visited Laâyoune and Dakhla separately.

Macron kicks off Asia tour in Vietnam with focus on energy
Macron kicks off Asia tour in Vietnam with focus on energy

Business Times

time26-05-2025

  • Business
  • Business Times

Macron kicks off Asia tour in Vietnam with focus on energy

[HANOI] French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to focus on energy, transport and infrastructure during his state visit to Vietnam, the first stop of his South-east Asian tour as he seeks to shore up alliances in the region. Macron will hold talks with Vietnam's top leaders in Hanoi on Monday (May 26). An agreement on a power grid project between the French Development Agency and Vietnam's National Power Transmission Corporation is set to be one of the deals sealed during his visit, according to state media. From Vietnam, Macron will be looking to boost bilateral relations in Indonesia before travelling to Singapore to speak at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit on Friday. The three countries illustrate the density of the ties France has forged in 'all sectors, including energy, transportation and defence', the president's Elysee office said in a briefing. The visit comes on the heels of similar trips by the leaders of China, Spain, Japan, and other nations, as South-east Asia moves into the spotlight amid uncertainties surrounding supply chains and global trade. Vietnam and France upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during a visit to Paris by Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. During that trip in October, the leaders discussed boosting security and defence cooperation and working closer in areas such as aerospace, transport infrastructure and renewable energy. As Europe calibrates its priorities amid US tariff uncertainty, Macron said France aims to deepen economic ties with regional superpower China, after a call with President Xi Jinping on Thursday. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up 'Chinese investment is welcome in France,' Macron said. 'But our companies must benefit from fair competition in our two countries,' he said. In addition to the business deals, Macron has been urged to raise human rights issues while in Vietnam and press for the release of dozens of civil society activists. 'The Vietnamese government's broad and intense crackdown on freedom of speech and assembly is the opposite of what it pledged to France and the EU,' said Bénédicte Jeannerod, France director at Human Rights Watch. 'The authorities have jailed an increasing number of democracy advocates and dissidents and are resisting reforms,' she said. Macron is also set to visit the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi on Tuesday, where he will deliver a speech about the future of France's relationship with Vietnam. BLOOMBERG

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