BY/ Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The diplomatic crisis between Morocco and France has taken a toll on their economic relations, as demonstrated by the recent cancellation of the visit by Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, the head of the French employers’ organization Medef. The decision reflects the deepening tensions between the two countries, affecting not only political and diplomatic circles but also the economic environment.
In fact, the diplomatic tensions between France and Morocco have reached a new level of intensity following the Pegasus scandal, revealing the Moroccan secret services’ surveillance of several high-ranking French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron. Against this backdrop, the planned visit of Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux to Morocco on June 26 has been indefinitely postponed at the request of the president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). The CGEM believes that the current strained relations between the two nations make it unfavorable to host the French business leader, citing the need to wait for a more conducive environment.
Escaping Political Tensions No More
Historically, economic relations between France and Morocco had managed to remain relatively insulated from diplomatic disputes. However, the current crisis has pushed these tensions to a new level. The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), when contacted by RFI, cited the “current context of Morocco-France relations” as the reason for canceling the visit. This frank explanation indicates that official displays of friendship between the two countries are not welcomed at this time, extending beyond diplomatic and political events to the economic sphere.
Underlying Causes
There are several factors contributing to the strained relationship between Morocco and France. Firstly, Morocco has been without an ambassador in Paris for several months, a clear sign of diplomatic friction. Additionally, Moroccan officials have expressed discontent with France’s attempts to establish closer ties with Algeria.
Economic Consequences
The cancellation of the Medef head’s visit carries significant symbolic weight. France has traditionally been Morocco’ second-largest economic partner, following Spain. French companies have shown great interest in several key Moroccan markets, particularly in the rail and energy sectors. However, the cancellation sends a strong message that economic cooperation will not be immune to the current tensions. This could potentially hinder future trade and investment opportunities between the two countries and have repercussions on both economies.
