Published on 31/10/2024 10:35
Updated on 31/10/2024 12:28
Reading time: 3min – video: 4min
State visit to Morocco: a controversial delegation
L’Œil du 20H State visit to Morocco: a controversial delegation
(The Eye of 20H)
It is a historic state visit, which seals Franco-Moroccan reconciliation and the signing of nearly 10 billion euros in contracts. Alongside the President of the Republic, a large delegation. But the presence of certain guests raises questions.
The red carpet was rolled out in front of the Royal Palace in Rabat on Tuesday October 29. For this historic state visit to Morocco, Emmanuel Macron did not come alone: the French delegation has a total of 122 guests. A large third of ministers, senior civil servants and academics; 36% representatives from the economic and industrial world; and 29% of artists and athletes including Jamel Debbouze, Arielle Dombasle and Teddy Riner. But also more unexpected guests, like the photographer François-Marie Banier, sentenced in 2016 to four years in prison for abusing the billionaire Liliane Bettencourt.
“The personalities, like all the members of the delegation, have a link with Morocco through their personal history and the positions they hold or have held.” indicates the Elysée. We looked for a link for François-Marie Banier with the kingdom: we found a book of photos, published in 2009.
But it was another invitation that sparked the controversy: that of Yassine Bellatar, who appeared in casual attire on the red carpet. The right and the far right especially accuse the comedian of complacency with Islamism. “Rarely has a head of state so degraded the image of France, damaged its diplomacy and trampled on the principles he claims to defend“, castigated Marine Le Pen on the social network death threats. “I’m invited, I have the right to say yes or no”defends the person concerned. For its part, the Elysée assures that “his presence does not in any way constitute adherence to his ideas.”
The presence of M’jid El Guerrab, former deputy of the 9e constituency of French people established outside France, also provokes a reaction. Sentenced for the attack on an elected official to one year in prison and two years of ineligibility, he considers his presence justified. “I am not a foreigner and I am not illegitimate. I am a former elected official. For five years. That’s a lot of five years”he replies.
Despite our reminders, the Elysée does not communicate on the cost of these three days of state visit and refers us to a report from the Court of Auditors dated 2023. The document concluded that a trip outside Europe of Emmanuel Macron cost 771,000 euros on average. An amount which has fallen by 23% over 5 years. But the wise add: “It may be necessary to cap the size of official and unofficial delegations.”
