The political paralysis expected to grip France after no clear majority emerged from snap parliamentary elections is set to weaken its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, analysts told The National.
The far-right National Rally was favourite to come first in the election but was overtaken by a left coalition and parties from the centre as a result of last-minute alliances.
“There will be a lot of uncertainty in the coming weeks and this will inevitably curtail France’s ability to achieve any progress in areas where it is playing a proactive role,” said Kelly Petillo, programme manager for the Middle East and North Africa at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Laure Foucher, a senior Middle East research fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris, said: “France's foreign policy has been incarnated primarily by President Emmanuel Macron, especially in the Middle East. Any loss of legitimacy at a national level impacts how he's viewed by international partners.”
However, a source close to the Foreign Ministry played down such concerns, highlighting the far right's lower than expected score on Sunday.
An adviser to Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said “no ambassador that we have spoken to since this morning have expressed this fear”.
“If the far right had obtained an absolute majority, we would have been weakened,” they said, but dismissed talk of diminished foreign influence as “nonsense”.
“Germany is a coalition of three parties. The UK was governed by a deeply unpopular government.”
Polarised views
Mr Macron has kept busy on the international front in the past four weeks despite the political turmoil caused by his shock decision to call for snap elections after a far-right surge in a European election last month.
In the same week as the first round of the elections on June 30, he received King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan for a working lunch in Paris during which they discussed humanitarian access to Gaza.
Paris was also a central part of a diplomatic push to avert a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon, with a meeting between US envoy Amos Hochstein and French special envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian in the French capital on Wednesday.
In the meantime, Mr Macron was coming under a barrage of criticism at home, including from his allies, for possibly handing over power to the far right. Marine Le Pen's party did less well than expected thanks to left-wing and centrist candidates stepping down to block it.
Yet those who defend the President by highlighting the possibility of a broad coalition similar to neighbouring countries are also probably aware that France has no history of such coalitions.
Its three most important political parties have vastly different opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which became a sensitive topic in the election campaign. France hosts Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim populations.
France will probably remain useful on Lebanon even if it suffers from political instability
Laure Foucher,
Foundation for Strategic Research, Paris
Tough talks are expected in the coming weeks between the left-wing coalition, which is dominated by pro-Palestine party France Unbowed (LFI), centrists and the far right as they attempt to agree on a new prime minister and government. The Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs – traditionally steered by the presidency – will probably go to politicians close to Mr Macron.
It remains unclear whether the President would be willing to give concessions to the left after spending so much time discrediting its positions on Palestine. Mr Macron and his allies have attacked LFI for alleged anti-Semitism – an accusation LFI denies – and say the recognition of a Palestinian state is not off the table but must come at an appropriate time.
Meanwhile, the far right, which has no experience in government, has close to doubled its number of MPs in the National Assembly. It has taken a strong pro-Israel stance in an attempt to break with the anti-Semitic views of its founder, Holocaust denier Jean-Marie Le Pen.
“If the President has to enter into a cohabitation with other political movements, he will continue to lead on foreign policy,” Karim Emile Bitar, professor of international relations at St Joseph University of Beirut.
“Considering there is no parliamentary majority, he will have a considerable margin of manoeuvre.”
France, a former colonial power in the Middle East, has little influence on Israeli politics but was viewed within the EU as the country with most political weight when it came to steering the bloc's policy on the Gaza war.
In April, Mr Macron signed with Egyptian and Jordanian leaders President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and King Abdullah II a joint call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
It was a high point for French diplomacy, which tried to build bridges between Arab countries and Europe as Washington was accused of not taking into account Arab concerns, said Ms Foucher.
“I doubt we'll see more of these joint initiatives in the coming months,” she added. “But we'll have to see how Mr Macron wants to position himself internally to survive politically.
“Will he want or be able to invest even more in foreign policy to appear above political infighting in France? It's an open question.”
A proactive stance
France has also been heavily involved in talks with the US and regional partners to stop the deadly tit-for-tat between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah's alliance with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that led attacks against Israel on October 7, compelled the Lebanese party and militia to open a pressure front on Israel's northern border.
The cross-border violence has killed at least 497 people in Lebanon, mostly fighters but also including 95 civilians, according to an AFP tally.
On the Israeli side, at least 16 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed, according to authorities.
“France has been particularly proactive among European countries, coming up with an initiative leading to Hezbollah eventually accepting the borders under UN parameters established in 2006,” said Ms Petillo.
“Lately, there was more willingness for France to join forces with the US, but unfortunately between France’s paralysis and the squabbling within the US Democratic party after [President Joe] Biden’s debate performance and the push for a new candidate, we will not see many results.”
Ending the violence on the Lebanese-Israeli border hinges on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, which remains elusive nearly 10 months into the war.
Despite criticism of France last month by Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, most Israeli officials are aware that their best way out with regard to Lebanon involves negotiations and Paris, alongside the US, which plays a central role in the current mediation processes, Ms Foucher said.
“France has led discussions for de-escalation since November. It's the only EU country that speaks to everyone and is able to send messages to Hezbollah,” she told The National.
“France will probably remain useful on Lebanon even if it suffers from political instability.”
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
Related
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Mobile phone packages comparison
MATCH INFO
Qalandars 112-4 (10 ovs)
Banton 53 no
Northern Warriors 46 all out (9 ovs)
Kumara 3-10, Garton 3-10, Jordan 2-2, Prasanna 2-7
Qalandars win by six wickets
Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures
Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy
Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy
Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Sub Regional Qualifier
Event info: The tournament in Kuwait is the first phase of the qualifying process for sides from Asia for the 2020 World T20 in Australia. The UAE must finish within the top three teams out of the six at the competition to advance to the Asia regional finals. Success at regional finals would mean progression to the World T20 Qualifier.
Teams: UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Maldives, Qatar
Friday fixtures: 9.30am (UAE time) - Kuwait v Maldives, Qatar v UAE; 3pm - Saudi Arabia v Bahrain
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
