Louis Aliot, vice president of the far-right National Rally party in France, said that “Morocco is a privileged partner with whom we must renew sincere dialogue and mutual, even fraternal, respect,” stressing that “his party relies heavily on France’s proximity to this great country (Morocco).”
Aliot added, in the following interview with Hespress AR, that King Mohammed VI is a key figure in the African continent and has achieved stability and development in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Deputy Jordan Bardella, whose party is expected to win the legislative elections according to opinion polls and the results of the first round, considered that the issue of recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara will be the responsibility of the next French Prime Minister after the election results on Sunday.
Aliot, who is the Mayor of Perpignan, confirmed that “the issue of French investments in the Sahara will be among the priorities of the Prime Minister who will appear next Monday.”
Here is the full text of the interview with Hespress AR:
Before the second round, does the National Rally consider itself the final winner of these elections announced by President Emmanuel Macron?
Going from 89 MPs to over 250, or even an absolute majority, shows that we will win this election once and for all.
In Morocco, the left-wing coalition won the majority of votes in the 9th district. Do you think the French in the Maghreb and West Africa fear your rise?
I don’t think so; we simply don’t do enough to inform these audiences of our ideas, and they, of course, have no reason to doubt our electoral intentions. They are our voters, and we are paying attention to them.
After Sunday, if the National Rally wins, will there be confusion within the French government, and France in general, if President Emmanuel Macron accepts to coexist with the expected prime minister, Jordan Bardella?
Coexistence already exists in France and has for a long time. The Prime Minister and the President must respect the provisions of the Constitution together, and the French people are and will remain sovereign.
About foreign relations, if you win, will you impose your foreign orientation on the president?
It is coexistence, which also means, in its clear sense, the necessity of negotiation and compromise on all issues, and our program regarding foreign policy is very clear. Our will was expressed during the electoral campaign before the French people. So, if we win, it is because the people want this policy that we have presented to them. Therefore we will implement it within everyone’s responsibilities (the president and the prime minister).
Does the National Rally hope that Macron will resign from his position after winning the legislative elections?
No, we don’t hope so. Our party wants stability in the country. But if there is no absolute majority, what is the solution? We believe that President Emmanuel Macron should be asked frankly this question: Does he really want to resign if we rise?
Regarding relations between Morocco and France, what is the National Rally’s vision to support them?
Morocco is a distinguished partner with whom we must renew sincere dialogue and mutual, even fraternal, respect. We rely greatly on our proximity to this great country and on the stability and development in various fields achieved by King Mohammed VI, a key figure on the African continent.
What is the position of the National Rally on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara?
If we win, we will renew our support for this cause.
How? Will the National Rally party announce France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, something Macron could not do?
I say here in answer to this question that this is an issue, and the issue of recognition will be the responsibility of the next prime minister.
Well, how do you see Macron’s strategy towards Morocco and Algeria?
I think President Emmanuel Macron will consider the results of the final vote after Sunday. Regarding relations with these two countries (Morocco and Algeria), it is clear that he will have to consider the policy of the new government.
Here we ask: How will you fix relations with Morocco and Algeria? Will you work on the balance that Macron wants?
The country’s best interests come first. Dialogue will, of course, be at the heart of that trilateral relationship, and I point out that it is not in anyone’s interest to prevent positions from being formally expressed indefinitely.
In another case related to French investments in the Moroccan Sahara, which were supported by the Macron government, are you ready to implement them on the ground?
I can’t answer that specifically. The team coming on Monday will look very carefully at the question of French investments in the Sahara.
We are talking about the fears of immigrants in France about your rise, can you briefly explain your strategy on this subject?
Our agenda is clear; we only ask for respect for the host country (France). Being French does not stop at the color of your skin or at a specific religious belief; but France is also an ancient and great country that must be taken into account for everyone, respect for its history and traditions, and those who respect the laws by contributing to the construction of France according to the principles of liberty, equality, fraternity and secularism, have no reason to fear, I say in conclusion: the French demand order and respect.
Do you think the pressure on migrants and the will to expel them could threaten relations with the countries of departure?
No, I don’t think so. It is in the interest of all countries in the world, including France and the countries from which migrants originate, that migration flows be regulated by the relevant legal legislation.
In conclusion, if Ms. Le Pen came to power instead of Macron, and we assume he will resign, how would you see relations between Morocco and France?
Relations will be in good shape, and it will be a real pleasure for me to work permanently again with a stable and strong kingdom on the African continent, in mutual respect and within the framework of a distinguished partnership that will enhance the development and prosperity of each of us.
