France is not in crisis with Morocco, the spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured Thursday, January 26, in response to criticism from Moroccan parliamentarians and a virulent anti-French press campaign by local media. “On the contrary, we are in an exceptional partnership that we intend to nurture”, declared Anne-Claire Legendre during a press briefing, underlining Paris’ desire to register this bilateral relationship “within ten to twenty years” at to come.
She recalled the visit of Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in December 2022. “It was a very positive visit”, she said, underlining “the important milestone” that will be that of President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled for principle during the first trimester.
The Moroccan political class and the media close to the government have not taken off since the European Parliament adopted by a large majority a week ago a resolution worrying about the deterioration of press freedom in Morocco.
Parliament also said it was “deeply concerned” by “allegations that the Moroccan authorities have corrupted members of the European Parliament”. The MEPs’ text was very badly received in Rabat. Main accused: France, a former colonial power, which is accused of having “orchestrated” an anti-Moroccan campaign in Brussels.
“A country we thought was a friend”
“Behind the scenes of this decision hides a country that we thought was a safe friend and partner, but the smell of gas made it lose its head,” said Ahmed Touizi, a majority MP, in reference to the rapprochement. between Paris and Algiers, regional rival of Rabat.
“Parliament exercises its prerogatives independently,” reacted the spokesperson for the Quai d’Orsay. For its part, France maintains a relationship of deep friendship with Morocco, with which it discusses all subjects, including those of human rights. On the occasion of Catherine Colonna’s visit, the two countries seemed to have eased tensions and declared themselves in favor of a renewed partnership.
But press articles – often acrimonious – have multiplied in recent days, reporting a further deterioration in Franco-Moroccan relations and casting doubt on the forthcoming arrival of the French president. “Clumsiness, missteps and misunderstandings are increasing between Paris and Rabat,” writes the magazine Jeune Afrique on Wednesday. Faced with what they consider to be manifestations of hostility on the part of France, the Moroccan authorities no longer hide that a return to normal will be difficult. »
