Skip to main content

As US disengages in North Africa, France's Macron looks to boost his profile

During his visit to Tunisia, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bolster the country’s faltering economy.
RTX4MTUC.jpg

TUNIS, Tunisia — French President Emmanuel Macron capped off a state visit to Tunis on Feb. 1 with promises of increased economic support and bilateral cooperation, welcome news in a country reeling from high inflation, unemployment and sluggish growth.

The two-day visit — Macron’s third to North Africa since taking office — was seen as both an attempt to lend support to Tunisia, a former French colony, and bolster his regional profile, which has been on the rise following the United States' disengagement from the Middle East and North Africa.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.