The president of the Senate of France, Gerard Larcher, is set to embark on an official visit to Morocco from the 23rd to the 26th of this month. According to the program obtained by La Razón, Larcher’s itinerary includes a stop in El Aaiún, the capital of the former Spanish Sahara. This move is being seen as a clear expression of French support for Morocco’s claims to the territory.
Support for Morocco’s Claims
The recent tour of the French Minister of Culture had sparked irritation in Algiers and among the Polisario Front. It appears that Paris is responding with a firm stance, implying that if a partnership was not desired, then a stronger alliance would be pursued instead. This development underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region, with France opting to back Morocco’s position on the Sahara, an issue of significant national importance for Rabat.
Engagements in Morocco
During his visit, Larcher is scheduled to engage in protocol meetings with his Moroccan counterparts, including the president of the Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He will also meet with representatives from the Gala neighborhood. Following these interactions, Larcher will travel to El Aaiún, where he will confer with Abdeslam Bekrat, the Wali of the region, and Sidi Ould Errachid, the president of the region. Additionally, he will tour various ongoing economic projects in the area. After attending an honor dinner in Rabat, Larcher will return to France.
The decision by Paris to support Morocco’s claims to the Sahara is believed to be motivated by economic and possibly strategic considerations. This stance places France at the forefront of international supporters of Morocco’s positions, ahead of countries like Spain, which has opted for a more moderate approach. Despite this, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has already expressed support for the autonomy project in the region, indicating a nuanced and evolving landscape in the Saharan issue.
