Latest news with #GérardLarcher
Morocco World
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Le Point: French Consulate in Dakhla No Longer Taboo, Algeria is Major Loser
Doha – France's diplomatic stance on Western Sahara has undergone a seismic shift, with three consecutive high-level visits to the region signaling what can only be described as a clear break from Paris's past ambiguity. 'After Rachida Dati and Gérard Larcher, Gérald Darmanin is joining the Franco-Moroccan rapprochement. The question of a French consulate in Dakhla is no longer taboo.' Introducing its latest analysis of the evolving French position on Western Sahara with this lede, France's Le Point newspaper chose to emphasize the diplomatic breakthrough represented by recent high-level French visits to southern Morocco and Algeria's resulting isolation. Under the headline 'Morocco and France Intensify their Cooperation in Western Sahara,' the French publication explores what it calls a decisive turning point in Franco-Moroccan relations. According to Le Point's Rabat correspondent Yasmine Tijani, 'Paris no longer contents itself with observing, it is actively involved in Western Sahara.' The article highlights how three weeks after visits by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Senate President Gérard Larcher, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin signed a joint declaration with his Moroccan counterpart Abdellatif Ouahbi on March 10. The agreement aimed to strengthen the fight against 'terrorism and organized crime,' Le Point indicates. 'By visiting Tarfaya, Laayoune and Dakhla in mid-February, then with the visit of Senate President Gérard Larcher, Paris is sending an unequivocal message,' it notes, emphasizing that French officials have 'multiplied unequivocal declarations' in which they have consistently stated that 'for France, the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.' The publication quotes Florence Kuntz, former European Parliament member, who describes this evolution as a game-changer. Kuntz believes that 'this ministerial visit finally opens the path to Moroccan Sahara.' Read also: Macron Read France's Sahara Recognition Letter to Tebboune Before Announcement While Dati cautiously noted 'the opening of a consular office is dictated by demographic development and growing consular needs,' Le Point reports, Larcher was more explicit and forthcoming during an official dinner in Laayoune. 'French consular action will be deployed' and French businesses are ready to engage in the region, the report quotes Larcher as stating. Le Point details the concrete manifestations of this diplomatic shift, reporting that 'French involvement is intensifying on the ground.' The paper notes 'the presence of French companies is strengthening in renewable energies, infrastructure, and tourism.' It also mentions the signing of nine agreements between French and Moroccan cultural operators and quotes Dati's strategic vision for the new Alliance Française in Laayoune. 'We want this Alliance Française to become a flagship location for our cooperation with Morocco.' The publication gives particular attention to educational initiatives, describing the groundbreaking of the French OSUI Paul-Pascon high school as 'concrete proof' of France's commitment, detailing its '3,500-square-meter complex on 2 hectares' with 'modern classrooms, spaces dedicated to teachers, multi-sports grounds.' In what Le Point terms 'Algeria, the big loser in the French shift,' the publication describes Algiers' immediate reaction of denouncing 'unacceptable interference' and suspending Senate-level relations. The article quotes a Moroccan news site's analysis: 'Surprisingly, at every major international gathering, Algeria claims it is not involved in the conflict. However, the virulence of its reactions to each Moroccan advance proves exactly the opposite.' Le Point goes on to note that 'Franco-Algerian relations are going through a phase of increasing tensions, between migration disagreements and declining security cooperation.' Paris appears to be positioning Rabat as its key partner in North Africa, the publication suggests, observing that 'if the current trend continues, Paris could soon officially join the thirty countries that have opened consulates in Dakhla or Laayoune.' It concludes that such a move would 'consecrate a new diplomatic era between Rabat and Paris.' Tags: Morocco France RelationsWestern sahara
Ya Biladi
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Algeria-France tensions : Algiers' self-inflicted crisis
Ahmed Attaf, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs / DR Estimated read time: 1' Algeria now reacts almost daily to even the slightest statements or movements by French officials. Since Minister Rachida Dati's visit to Laayoune, the Algerian regime has issued a series of statements, successively denouncing remarks by Jean-Noël Barrot, Gérard Larcher's visit to Morocco, and, most recently, François Bayrou's comments on a possible tightening of migration agreements between the two countries. This diplomatic escalation reflects growing anxiety in Algiers as it finds itself increasingly cornered by its own stance. At the end of July 2024, it was Algeria that chose to heighten tensions by announcing the withdrawal of its ambassador to Paris in retaliation for President Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Western Sahara. This confrontational approach is now backfiring, as France, rather than yielding to pressure, continues to strengthen its ties with Morocco. By multiplying threats and accusations against Paris, the Algerian authorities had hoped to force the Élysée's hand—but to no avail. #Communiqué ?? — وزارة الشؤون الخارجية| MFA-Algeria (@Algeria_MFA) February 27, 2025 In its latest communiqué, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempts to shift responsibility for the crisis onto France, accusing it of unjustly restricting Algerians' mobility and challenging the 1968 Agreement. This serves as a distraction from the real source of tension: Algiers' discomfort with France's gradual realignment on the Western Sahara issue. After months of escalating friction, the regime appears to be running out of options, forced into reactive diplomacy without a clear exit strategy. Meanwhile, the long-tested Franco-Moroccan relationship seems to be stabilizing, much to Algiers' dismay. Within a week, Morocco has successively hosted Rachida Dati and Gérard Larcher, reinforcing President Macron's stance on Western Sahara.
Morocco World
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
France's Top MP Calls Southern Provinces a Regional ‘Success Model'
Doha – French Senate President Gérard Larcher said in Laâyoune on Monday evening that Morocco's Southern Provinces constitute 'a success model for the entire Sahelo-Saharan zone' as the region faces various tensions. The top French parliamentarian made the remark following his morning meeting with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita in Rabat, where he reaffirmed that France's position on the Sahara issue is 'non-discutable' and underscored that the French-Moroccan relationship is built on 'a deep history and friendship.' During his historic visit to Laâyoune, Larcher declared that France's new perspective on the Western Sahara dispute and the evolution of the French position is 'an obvious fact, a primary truth.' He stressed that 'this obvious fact has undergone a long maturation process.' According to Larcher, the Senate had early on worked toward a diplomatic initiative so that France, which has always supported Morocco in its existential challenges, would take into account developments since 2007 and set aside any ambiguity. France's support for the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole framework for resolution 'is acquired and constitutes the position of the French Republic's institutions in their diversity,' he argued. Larcher insisted that this support 'is not the result of a governmental policy. It now represents the policy of the French Republic.' He said he was impressed with the remarkable development the Laâyoune region has experienced in recent years, citing large-scale infrastructure projects, social facilities, and the constant pursuit of sustainable development. 'This model is part of Morocco's geostrategic vision and presents itself as an opportunity for opening up and development for the states surrounding the Kingdom,' Larcher pointed out. He announced the readiness of the Senate to make available to the North African country its experience in deconcentration and decentralization, proposing to advance cooperation between France and Morocco. 'Territorial communities present a rich potential for development and are a crucible for political, economic, and social cooperation in water management, transport, and digital transformation,' he stated. Larcher further spoke of the need to give new momentum to territorial diplomacy between French and Moroccan communities, arguing that any proposal to resolve the Sahara question should embrace the fact that Morocco's borders extend 'from Tangier to the confines of the Sahara.' For his part, Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the Chamber of Councilors, the upper house of the Moroccan parliament, expressed his great pride in this visit with profound significance. The visit constitutes not only a step to enhance achievements, but also a major historical event and an exceptional moment, marking a major turning point in bilateral relations, he reflected. It especially reflects 'our common and resolute will to contribute concretely to writing glorious pages in the new chapter opened by the Heads of State of both countries,' projected the Moroccan MP, referring to the state visit made to Morocco by French President Emmanuel Macron at the invitation of King Mohammed VI. Ould Errachid disclosed that the historical partnership between the two countries constitutes a unique model, praising the role of France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in pushing for a solution that permanently recognizes Morocco's full sovereignty over its southern provinces. The President of the French Senate is making an official visit to the country, leading a high-level delegation including the chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee in the Senate, Cédric Perrin. The delegation also includes the chairman of the France-Morocco friendship group, Christian Cambon, the President of the Union Centrist (UC) political group, Hervé Marseille, and the vice-president of the France-Morocco friendship group, Corinne Féret. Another slap to Algeria and its proxy militia Polisario The visit comes in the wake of France's formal recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region in July 2024, when President Macron officially stated that 'the present and future of the Western Sahara lies within Moroccan sovereignty.' Larcher's visit to Laâyoune is nothing short of a historic turning point, marking the most senior French parliamentary delegation to ever set foot in the Sahara. During his stay, he also announced plans to enhance France's diplomatic and consular presence in the region, including the launch of a new Alliance Française in Laâyoune. The visit has not gone unnoticed by Algeria, whose regime continues to fume at every step reinforcing Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara. As tensions between Paris and Algiers escalate, this visit delivers yet another blow to Algeria's relentless but futile attempts to obstruct Morocco's territorial integrity. Furious over any recognition of Moroccan sovereignty, Algerian authorities had already lashed out at French Culture Minister Rachida Dati's visit in February, labeling it 'of particular gravity' and 'condemnable on more than one count.' Now, with Larcher's high-profile visit, Algiers is expected to once again resort to its usual tantrums and diplomatic theatrics, desperately clinging to a lost cause. In October 2024, a UN Security Council resolution, supported by 12 of its 15 members, called for a 'realistic and mutually acceptable' solution to the Western Sahara dispute – language that many interpret as favorable to Morocco's autonomy proposal. Tags: France-Morocco relationsWestern sahara
Ya Biladi
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
France to boost consular services in Sahara, French Senate President says
Estimated read time: 1' During his official visit to Morocco, French Senate President Gérard Larcher announced plans to expand France's consular presence in the Sahara. «Our consular activities will be extended there», Larcher stated during a speech delivered on Monday evening in Laayoune, in the presence of Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of the House of Advisors, the President of the Laayoune region, and other notable figures from the city. He also emphasized, «The launch of the French Alliance in Laayoune reflects our country's commitment to cultural and educational engagement in your regions». ? C'est officiel... Le président du Sénat français, Gérard Larcher, annonce à Laâyoune qu'une "orientation consulaire sera bientôt mise en œuvre au Sahara Marocain" ?????? #Maroc #المغرب_أولا #Morocco #Macron #SaharaMarocain #Dakhla — Morocco First ?? (@TheRealMarroqui) February 24, 2025 This move aligns with France's intent to deepen cooperation with Morocco in the southern provinces. It follows France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara in a letter signed by President Emmanuel Macron last summer. This recognition was followed by a visit from Macron to Morocco and a recent one by French Culture Minister to the Kingdom's southern provinces. During his visit this week, Larcher reaffirmed France's unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, calling it «non-negotiable». Before heading to Laayoune, Larcher met with Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and attended a joint press conference following discussions with Mohamed Ould Errachid, the Speaker of Morocco's Upper House. Larcher noted that the purpose of his visit was to begin a «new parliamentary chapter» in the evolving relationship between the two countries.
Ya Biladi
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco : French Senate President to visit Laayoune
The President of the French Senate is set to visit Morocco from February 23 to 26, with a trip to Laayoune marking a key highlight of his itinerary in the Kingdom. As per the provisional schedule shared with Yabiladi by the Chamber of Councillors, Gérard Larcher will engage in discussions in Rabat on February 23 with his Moroccan counterpart, Mohamed Ould Errachid. The following day, Larcher is scheduled to meet with several high-ranking officials, including the President of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita. He will then travel to Laayoune, where on February 25, he will hold a series of meetings with the Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Abdeslam Bikrat, the President of the Laayoune Communal Council, Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid, and the President of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Regional Council, Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid. Larcher's visit is set to conclude on February 26, according to the same document. Accompanying the President of the French Senate is a significant delegation, including Cédric Perrin, Senator from Belfort and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee, Christian Cambon, Senator from Val-de-Marne and Chairman of the France-Morocco Friendship Group, who has previously visited Saharan cities, and Hervé Marseille, Senator from Hauts-de-Seine and Chairman of the Union Centrist Group, as well as Vice-Chairman of the France-Morocco Friendship Group. The visit to Rabat and Laayoune by Gérard Larcher has been facilitated by France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, a decision made on July 30.
