A recent survey by Toluna-Harris Interactive, conducted in May 2026, reveals that a majority of French citizens consider Morocco a strategic partner and privileged ally, while viewing Algeria as a threat. The poll, commissioned by the French-Moroccan think tank 'Le Cercle d'Études', surveyed 1,005 French adults between May 10 and 12, 2026.
According to the results, 72% of respondents described Morocco as a 'strategic partner' for France, and 68% said they see the North African kingdom as a 'privileged ally'. In contrast, 58% of those polled said they perceive Algeria as a 'threat' to French interests. Only 22% viewed Algeria positively, compared to 81% for Morocco.
The survey also highlighted key areas of cooperation. Economic ties were cited by 65% of respondents as the strongest link with Morocco, followed by security and counter-terrorism (54%), and cultural exchanges (48%). For Algeria, negative perceptions were linked to political tensions and historical disputes, including the ongoing rift over Western Sahara.
Political analysts note that the findings reflect broader trends in French public opinion, shaped by media coverage and diplomatic relations. The French government has maintained close ties with Morocco under President Emmanuel Macron, while relations with Algeria have been strained since 2021 over visa restrictions and colonial memory issues.
The poll has a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points. Full results are available on the Toluna-Harris Interactive website.
