On July 30, 2024, France's culture minister, Rachida Dati, captured attention in a striking Schiaparelli shirtdress that featured surrealism-inspired prints, starkly contrasting with the more traditional attire of djellabas and tailored suits that adorned the crowd in M'diq, a picturesque coastal city in northern Morocco. This vibrant gathering was organized to commemorate the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's ascension to the throne. The event was marked by red and green tents that provided shade for a distinguished assembly of government officials, senior military personnel, and foreign dignitaries, all seeking respite from the intense heat typical of a Moroccan summer.
The significance of this year's festivities was amplified by a timely revelation. Earlier that day, the royal office disclosed a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron addressed to King Mohammed VI, wherein Macron affirmed his stance on the contentious issue of Western Sahara. 'I consider the present and future of Western Sahara to be within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,' Macron stated. He emphasized the importance of a united vision in shaping this historical trajectory, which he deemed essential and irreversible. In a tweet later that afternoon, Dati echoed these sentiments, reiterating the collaborative role of all parties involved in this historical context.
As the mayor of Paris's 7th arrondissement, a district where King Mohammed VI owns a private residence on Avenue Emile-Deschanel, Dati's comments were particularly poignant. Her advocacy for Morocco was especially evident during a challenging period in French-Moroccan relations in 2023, when she urged President Macron to take a decisive stance in support of Rabat amidst the ongoing conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which has been campaigning for the independence of Western Sahara. 'I have always been on His Majesty's side,' she declared during her visit to Morocco that May, showcasing her commitment to strengthening ties between France and Morocco amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
As reported by lemonde.fr.
