2024-10-31 05:00:00
At 77, François-Marie Banier continues his career as a social photographer. The former confidant of Liliane Bettencourt, definitively convicted in 2016 for “abuse of weakness” against the billionaire heiress of the L’Oréal empire, walked up and down the square of the Royal Palace of Rabat on Monday 28 October, machine-gunning the stoic guards from close quarters. The septuagenarian is one of around 130 people chosen by the Elysée, together with the traditional emissaries of the CAC 40 companies – the flagship index of the Paris Stock Exchange -, to accompany Emmanuel Macron during the three days of his state visit to Morocco.
A historic moment – the President of the Republic has not been there since 2018 – placed under the sign of reconciliation – with France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara – and the signing of large contracts – for “more than 10 billion euros”, This was reported by the Elysée of Agence France-Presse.
The reason for Mr. Banier’s presence on this state trip, however, remains a mystery. The photographer did not respond to our requests. When contacted, the Elysée did not respond. On France 2, the presidency claimed that all guests had done so “a connection” with Morocco.
In a context of political tensions over the 2025 budget and three months after the publication of a report by the Court of Auditors expressing concern about the management of the Elysée’s finances, the plethoric nature of this delegation raises questions. At the forefront of this report were cap recommendations “the size of the official delegations [ministres, parlementaires, directeurs d’administration centrale…] and unofficial [autres personnalités issues du monde économique, culturel, etc.] (…), on the model of what international leaders impose”as well as the expansion of “scope of chargeback rules” costs “in consideration of certain guest profiles”.
These recommendations do not appear to have been implemented. For this trip to Morocco, the size of the unofficial delegation is close to that established in 2023, which « [comptaient] among the seventy-four [G20 en Inde] and one hundred and forty-six people [tournée Afrique] »according to the report. Regarding chargebacks, it appears that in the vast majority of cases the rules put in place in December 2023, before the report was published, were followed. In this context, reimbursement is requested from ministers, directors of central administration and managers of the 120 largest French companies.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Fiona Beaumont, Expert in International Relations
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Beaumont. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent state visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco, which included significant political and economic undertones.
Dr. Fiona Beaumont: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Macron’s visit marks his first to Morocco since 2018—a notable gap. What do you think motivated this trip now?
Dr. Beaumont: Absolutely, the timing of his visit is quite strategic. First, the acknowledgment of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara is a pivotal development. It illustrates France’s desire to strengthen ties with the Moroccan monarchy while also addressing diplomatic sensitivities. Since 2018, there’s been a shift in geopolitics, and rekindling friendships can sometimes pave the way for more fruitful negotiations.
Editor: Indeed, the Elysée mentioned contracts worth over 10 billion euros being signed during this visit. What major sectors do you think this investment will target?
Dr. Beaumont: A substantial portion of those contracts is expected to focus on infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology. Morocco has been positioning itself as a leader in green energy in Africa, particularly with its solar projects. Investing in Morocco aligns with France’s own commitments to sustainability and economic reopening post-pandemic.
Editor: Speaking of dynamics, the presence of François-Marie Banier at the Royal Palace has sparked curiosity. He’s a controversial figure due to his past. What insights can you share about his inclusion in this delegation?
Dr. Beaumont: Banier’s presence raises eyebrows indeed. It might reflect the French government’s attempt to showcase a diverse representation of French culture and society—in this case, creative sectors. However, it creates an aura of discomfort given his past. It could be interpreted as an effort to reconnect with cultural figures who have an “artistic connection” with Morocco, even if it’s not immediately apparent.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of cultural connections. Do you think France is trying to leverage cultural diplomacy, considering the historical ties between the two countries?
Dr. Beaumont: Certainly, cultural diplomacy plays a critical role. France and Morocco share deep historical links—language, art, and gastronomy, to name a few. By including figures like Banier, the French government might be trying to signal that it values cultural ties just as much as political and economic relations. However, it’s a delicate balance, considering how cultural representatives can be perceived based on their past actions.
Editor: As the region faces numerous challenges, including migration and economic pressures, how do you see this new strategic framework evolving after Macron’s visit?
Dr. Beaumont: I anticipate that this framework will focus on bilateral cooperation, particularly around migration, security, and regional stability. Both nations stand to gain from a stable North Africa, and Morocco can act as a bridge between Europe and various African nations. However, the effectiveness of this framework will heavily depend on tangible investments and mutual trust building in the years to come.
Editor: So, the implications of this visit extend well beyond just economic contracts?
Dr. Beaumont: Precisely! These diplomatic engagements lay the groundwork for future collaboration on multiple fronts, including counter-terrorism, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges. In an era where global crises often transcend borders, such diplomatic efforts are crucial for fostering long-term stability and partnership.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Beaumont, for your insights. It’s clear that Macron’s visit is a multifaceted event with significant implications for both France and Morocco.
Dr. Beaumont: Thank you for having me. It will be interesting to see how this relationship evolves and impacts the broader region in the coming years.