سليمان الريسوني | حفتر "الإماراتي" بالمغرب. لمواجهة الجزائر؟ اليمين الإسباني والفرنسي جحيم المغاربة؟

Summary

The presenter discusses two developments he sees as potential challenges for Morocco: the possible return of right-wing and far-right parties to power in Spain and France, and Morocco’s reception of Khaled Haftar, a senior military figure from eastern Libya.

Spain

The presenter says most private opinion polls favor the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox, potentially giving them a parliamentary majority. A poll by Spain’s public research institute, however, points to the Socialists leading; its findings and methodology have been disputed. He notes that the outcome could still be affected by the cost-of-living and housing issues, Pedro Sánchez’s campaign, and regional parties’ influence under Spain’s electoral system.

He argues that a PP–Vox government could strain relations with Morocco. He cites PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s reported positions on Western Sahara, Ceuta and Melilla, and irregular migration, as well as Vox leader Santiago Abascal’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. The presenter contrasts these positions with the relatively better relations Morocco has had with Sánchez’s government.

France

The presenter says polls suggest Marine Le Pen—or, if she cannot run, Jordan Bardella—could perform strongly in the next presidential election. Le Pen’s eligibility remains uncertain because of an appeal related to a court ruling.

He also cites a survey suggesting that some French Muslims, including some of Moroccan origin, are considering leaving France if the far right takes power. He links this concern to Le Pen’s positions on Islam and the hijab. In his view, a far-right victory could harm Moroccan residents and communities even if relations with Morocco’s government were comparatively good.

Khaled Haftar’s Visit to Morocco

The presenter reports that Khaled Haftar, son of eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, met senior Moroccan military officials in Rabat on the King’s instructions. The stated agenda included military and security cooperation, training, counterterrorism, and exchanging expertise.

The presenter says critics—some associated with the Libya peace process hosted in Skhirat—view the meeting as Morocco abandoning neutrality and aligning with Haftar’s camp, possibly under UAE influence and amid rivalry with Algeria. He also cites accusations against Haftar’s forces concerning support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and links to Russian activity in the Sahel.

The presenter describes Morocco’s position as an effort to bridge Libya’s east–west divide and help unify its military institutions. He argues that Haftar’s forces are a significant military actor despite their family-based structure and external alignments. However, he remains skeptical that the visit will serve that purpose and worries it could intensify Morocco–Algeria tensions and spread regional competition.

Overall, he warns that shifts to the right in Spain and France, combined with Morocco’s contested engagement with Haftar, could worsen Morocco’s external pressures and deepen divisions in the Maghreb. He concludes by expressing hope for improved Moroccan–Algerian relations and renewed regional cooperation.

Presenter: Suleiman Raissouni