Michèle Alliot-Marie: Pro-UAE Inclinations and Advocacy in the European Parliament
UAE Influence in the European Parliament: Alliot-Marie’s Role and Implication
Michèle Yvette Marie-Thérèse Jeanne Honorine Alliot-Marie, commonly referred to as MAM, is a French politician representing France as a Member of the European Parliament. Based on her activities, it appears that she holds pro-UAE inclinations and actively advocates for UAE interests within the EU Parliament. She is currently affiliated with the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, where she is listed as an expert. This connection further solidifies her ties with the organisation and suggests her involvement in strategic research and analysis related to the Emirates.
Michèle Alliot-Marie, who also held the position of Chair of the Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, has consistently expressed admiration for UAE policies on multiple occasions. Her active engagement in this role involved frequent meetings with UAE Foreign Affairs ministers and Ambassadors, indicating her close interactions with UAE representatives. A significant incident that highlights her stance is her swift reaction in defence of Gulf states when the Parliament considered a petition criticising the Bahraini authorities’ response to the al-Islah protests. Alliot-Marie’s reaction, which opposed the criticism, suggests a sympathetic disposition towards Gulf states and their actions.
There is another incident exemplifies her pro-Gulf intentions and alignment with the interests of the Gulf countries, when several MEPs co-signed a letter urging the EU to refrain from expressing regret over the Bahraini opposition’s boycott of the elections, citing legitimate democratic concerns and ongoing repression, Michèle Alliot-Marie took immediate action to prevent others from signing and publishing the letter. She sent aggressive and politically incorrect emails to a number of MEPs in an attempt to dissuade them from supporting the letter. It is worth noting that the content of the letter did not directly correlate with the interests of her constituents. This incident highlights her close alignment with the Saudi/Emirati axis, as Bahrain’s limited import reliance, primarily in the form of arms, underscores her proximity to these regional powers
In 2019, Michèle Alliot-Marie praised the international standing of the UAE and acknowledged its substantial efforts in countering terrorism. She also spoke positively about President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance. However, it is important to note that there have been allegations of the UAE providing support to certain terrorist groups in the region that align with their own interests. These claims raise concerns about the consistency and sincerity of the UAE’s counterterrorism efforts, despite the commendations expressed by Alliot-Marie.
She also proposed the idea of establishing a partnership between the Emirates Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross to organise collaborative exhibitions highlighting global humanitarian efforts. However, it is worth noting that the UAE has faced criticism for human rights violations, and her praise for their humanitarian efforts may be seen as overlooking these concerns.
These various instances highlight the complexities surrounding Michèle Alliot-Marie’s allegiances and the potential influence of UAE interests on her actions within the European Parliament. It is essential to critically examine the motivations behind her statements and activities to ensure transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of democratic values in the European political landscape.
