Europe | Charlemagne

The power and limits of Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic charm

French affairs of heart and state

Emmanuel Macron throws love hearts out of a red heart-shaped hot air ballon as he flies over a Moroccan cityscape. The balloon has holes that have been patched over but air is escaping.
Illustration: Peter Schrank

When the insipid joint declarations of day-to-day diplomacy have long since been consigned to dusty shelves, it is photos and videos of the hugs and handshakes, the pomp and marching bands that endure. So it will doubtless be after this week, when the French president, Emmanuel Macron, took three days off from domestic woes to enjoy a state visit to Morocco, hosted by its king, Mohammed VI. Greeted by a 21-gun salute, Mr Macron rode alongside the monarch in an open-top car past applauding crowds. The French president returned the compliment, confirming his country’s fresh support for Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara, a contested slice of land, and proclaiming a reinforced partnership “of exception” between the two countries.

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This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “French affairs of heart and state”

Europe November 2nd 2024

From the November 2nd 2024 edition

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