French President Emmanuel Macron's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara territory has brought renewed focus on Rabat's longstanding diplomatic and cultural networks in France. Macron's position, aligning France more closely with Morocco's stance, was a significant shift in European diplomacy regarding the region.
This policy has been communicated and supported by key French figures. Notably, former Justice Minister Rachida Dati, now serving as Mayor of Paris's 7th arrondissement and a member of the European Parliament for the Les Républicains party, has been a vocal advocate. In a 2025 interview, she reiterated support for Morocco's "serious and credible" autonomy initiative, framing it as a path to stability.
Beyond political circles, Moroccan-French cultural figures also play a role. Acclaimed author Tahar Ben Jelloun, a Goncourt Prize winner, has frequently written and commented on Maghreb affairs, contributing to the cultural and intellectual discourse surrounding Franco-Moroccan relations. Analysts note that Morocco's strategy in France involves engaging both established political "heavyweights" and influential voices in civil society to bolster its diplomatic objectives.
The Western Sahara dispute remains a central issue in Morocco's foreign policy. While Morocco controls most of the territory and proposes autonomy under its sovereignty, the Polisario Front demands an independent state. Macron's support, while strengthening bilateral ties with Rabat, has also drawn criticism from those who argue it undermines the UN-led peace process and the principle of self-determination.
