The French economy is facing significant strain, with rising public debt, a widening deficit, and inflationary pressures impacting everything from energy to food costs. In a bid to address this crisis, President Emmanuel Macron has turned to an unlikely ally: Qatar. This strategic partnership, however, comes with a price, as France's foreign policy and domestic affairs appear to be increasingly influenced by the oil-rich Gulf state.

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

Addressing France's Economic Woes

France's economy is in a precarious position, with public debt projected to exceed €3 trillion, or 112% of GDP, and a widening deficit that the government has struggled to curb. Inflationary pressures have exacerbated these issues, putting a strain on the national budget and impacting the cost of living for French citizens. To address the crisis, the French government has proposed a 2024 budget aimed at reducing the deficit, but the EU is closely monitoring the situation, concerned about France's ability to meet its fiscal targets amidst political and social challenges.

Seeking Financial Support from Qatar

In a strategic move, France has turned to Qatar for financial support. According to experts from the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), the French government has decided on a partnership with the emirate, with Qatar pledging to invest €10 billion into the French economy in early 2024. However, the full extent of this alliance is not entirely transparent, as Qatar's significant investments in France's sports and luxury sectors continue to grow, providing the Gulf state with significant cultural and political leverage.

Qatar's Influence in French Politics

Qatar's influence in France extends beyond just economic ties. Research from the CEP has revealed that the Qatari government has a history of financially supporting Islamist groups, including Hamas, and that this support has reached deep into the French government. The recent revelation that France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, has been in contact with Qatar's labor minister, Ali bin Samikh al Marri, during the Qatargate corruption scandal is a prime example of this influence.

Macron's Alignment with Iran

Macron's recent statements and policies regarding Lebanon have also raised eyebrows, as they appear to align with Iran's interests. The French President's discussions with Iranian President Pezeshkian, who is closely associated with Hezbollah, and his attempts to ignore Hezbollah's activities in the region, have led to speculation that Macron has struck a deal with the terrorist organization. This deal, which reportedly involved a multibillion-euro rebuilding contract for a French maritime transport company, has further cemented Macron's ties with Iran and its proxies.

Extending Influence in the Caucasus

France's neo-colonial ambitions extend beyond the Middle East, as the country has also sought to exert its influence in the Southern Caucasus region. Since Armenia's leadership agreed to a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, France and Iran have been actively working to sabotage the reconciliation process, pumping the region with weapons and keeping the conflict alive. This alignment with Iran, a staunch opponent of Israel, further highlights Macron's willingness to collaborate with regimes that are seen as the modern successors of the Nazis.

Macron's Risky Gamble

Macron's strategic partnership with Qatar and his alignment with Iran and its proxies in the Middle East and the Caucasus region represent a risky gamble for France. While the French President may be desperate to address his country's economic woes, the price he is willing to pay in terms of foreign policy and domestic influence could have far-reaching consequences. As France's economic health is integral to the stability of the European Union, Macron's actions could have cascading effects on the bloc, potentially slowing down EU-wide growth and exacerbating existing challenges.