on the other side of the Mediterranean, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco worried about the rise of the RN

Three journalists, Tunisian, Algerian and Moroccan, give their vision of this unprecedented second round in France.

How do the Maghreb countries view the French political situation? On the other side of the Mediterranean, there are strong ties with Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia and these countries are worried about the possible rise to power of the RN in France. The party plans to reduce immigration, limit access to certain sectors for dual nationals and reverse certain migration agreements. The Maghreb countries feel particularly targeted and fear the rise of the far-right party.

In Tunisia, “we are going to dive into the unknown”

Journalist in Tunis for the independent media InkyfadaZeïneb Ben Ismaïl follows French news closely: “It’s a bit of a cold shower. It’s a trend that is catching up even with our direct neighbor, one of Tunisia’s biggest partners, where we say to ourselves ‘ah yes, in fact, this is really what is happening’.” Zeïneb is Franco-Tunisian and as a dual national, even on the other side of the Mediterranean, the rise of the RN worries her. “We are going to dive into the unknown. But we also know that, despite the party’s positions or at least their ideals, in reality, it is not very realistic to say that relations will perhaps be cut off overnight.”reassures the 29-year-old journalist.

In Algeria, “we don’t expect much anymore”

Relations with neighbouring Algeria are already somewhat strained, stresses Lounes Guemache, director of the electronic daily. All about Algeria who headlined one of these articles, “The RN at the gates of power” the day after the first round in France. “From Algeria, we have the impression that France is no longer a reliable partner.assures the journalist. We have seen speeches from Mrs Le Pen and Mr Bardella on Algeria that border on disrespect. They announce that they are going to end the 1968 agreement. [un régime spécial pour les titres de séjour accordés aux ressortissants algériens]that they are going to stop visas, it will impact a part of the population.”

And Lounes Guemache recalls that “The history of this party is very particular, its founder [Jean-Marie Le Pen] was accused of torture in Algeria during the war. We know it’s going to be complicated.he adds. But the problem is that it is not only with the RN, this rise of the extreme right in France and in Europe, it is even a trend that is set to continue today. So people say ‘we don’t expect much anymore’.”

In Morocco, two visions compete

Surprisingly, some Moroccans are expecting something from the RN. Several members of the party have spoken out in favor of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by the kingdom. For Abdellah Tourabi, a Moroccan political journalist and columnist, this explains the two points of view that are competing in his country: “The number one issue for Moroccans is the question of the Sahara. So for some Moroccans, we consider that the rise of the extreme right would be favorable to the Moroccan position, he decrypts. On the other hand, the RN is xenophobic, Islamophobic and hostile to foreigners. It will take measures that will make life hell for thousands of Moroccans living in France.” If the RN came to power, all three are worried about the fate of Maghrebis living in France and the possibility for them to go to the opposite side of the Mediterranean.