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The leader of French party “Les Républicains” (LR), Eric Ciotti, questioned by a TRT journalist about the intentions of his coalition with the Rassemblement National (RN) regarding relations with Morocco, referred to Franco-Moroccan relations following the announcement of the results of the first round of early legislative elections in France.
Ciotti, true to his pro-Moroccan convictions and positions, reaffirmed his desire to “restore” bilateral relations with the Kingdom if the right-wing and far-right coalition wins, but without invoking the vexed question of the Moroccanity of the Sahara.
He stressed the importance of renewed and intensified collaboration, asserting that Morocco, as a strategic partner and long-standing friend, requires special attention and genuine commitment to overcome differences and build a prosperous future together.
Still, his statement was perceived as strong and direct. “If we win, we want to restore a relationship of friendship and trust with the Kingdom of Morocco”, Eric Côté said bluntly. declared Eric Ciotti in no uncertain terms at a press conference a few hours after the results of the first round were announced. This statement testifies to the importance he attaches to Morocco in French foreign policy.
A controversial but strategic alliance
As a reminder of these historic early legislative elections, Eric Ciotti made a bold decision to ally himself with the Rassemblement National. This alliance, though strategic, provoked fierce criticism within his own party, even leading to his temporary exclusion from the Republican leadership. However, the courts eventually overturned this decision, allowing Ciotti to continue to pursue his political ideas and projects.
That said, the president of Les Républicains stressed Morocco’s central place in France’s diplomatic priorities. “Morocco is a great country, a great democracy for which I have a great deal of respect and consideration,” he asserted, adding that restoring and strengthening bilateral relations was “an important issue”.
In May 2023, Eric Ciotti visited Morocco at the head of a partisan delegation that included Rachida Dati. During this visit, he publicly proclaimed his support for the Moroccan Sahara. Following a lunch with the Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, and the President of the House of Councillors, Naam Miyara, Ciotti declared in a post on X: “On the question of Western Sahara, Morocco’s sovereignty is indisputable. We urgently need to resolve this strategic issue”.
Renewed and strengthened cooperation
Eric Ciotti expressed the importance of renewed cooperation with Morocco, a strategic partner of France that deserves special attention and sincere commitment. For him, Morocco must be at the center of France’s diplomatic concerns, and re-establishing strong and friendly relations with the Kingdom is a priority.
In pledging to restore relations with Morocco, Ciotti is not only making an electoral promise, but also demonstrating a clear vision of Morocco’s place in French foreign policy. It remains to be seen whether this vision will materialize after the legislative elections.
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