Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, endorsed President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize the Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara as the foundation for a fair, sustainable, and agreed-upon political solution that respects Moroccan sovereignty.
“France maintained its position on this delicate matter without alteration since 2007. At that time, the country acknowledged the proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara as a foundation for pragmatic solutions, recognizing it as a ‘serious, realistic, and credible basis,” the senate’s press release read.
According to Larcher, “it was time to acknowledge the realities and move forward from a state of ambiguity. This shift is the culmination of a long process of maturation.”
In a letter to Macron in March, Larcher recommended that the French government adopt this diplomatic step, which he believes is essential for resolving long-standing disputes that are impeding Maghreb integration and prosperity.
Larcher also assured that this decision is not intended to harm France-Algeria relations, which are based on shared interests. He expressed hope that it would open new avenues for cooperation.
“France has a singular goal: to resolve, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, a situation that benefits no one, to act as a mediator between two friendly nations, and to foster peace,” the statement concluded.