𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 

Amid France’s worsening domestic turmoil and mounting criticism of European foreign policy, French Member of the European Parliament Thierry Mariani has launched a sharp attack on the European Union’s role in Africa, particularly in the Republic of Congo.

In a recent interview, Mariani denounced what he described as Brussels’ arrogance, the hypocrisy of French elites, and the failure of current cooperation frameworks.

A Nation in DeclineFor Mariani, France’s crisis is no accident but the culmination of decades of decline.

“What we are witnessing today in France is the outcome of a triple political, institutional, and social crisis,” he said, accusing traditional parties of abandoning the French people for more than 30 years.

His fiercest criticism was reserved for President Emmanuel Macron, whose presidency he branded “disastrous.” Exploding debt, the collapse of the social contract, and uncontrolled immigration, he argued, have fueled public anger.

The recent fall of the French government after a no-confidence vote, Mariani added, was “a symptom, not the cause” of the crisis. The true cause, he insisted, lies in decades of political failure making a radical change of direction inevitable.

Africa as a Victim of Arrogant Foreign Policy

Mariani argued that while France is grappling with deep internal crises, its decision—alongside the EU—to pour vast sums into African projects under the banner of “democracy promotion” is increasingly unpopular, especially among National Rally supporters.

He pointed to the €300 million allocated in 2024 by the French Development Agency to social and democratic programs in several African countries, including the Republic of Congo.

For Mariani, this policy is not only ineffective but also a form of disguised neocolonialism.

“The European Union and the French government behave like a moralizing colonial power,” he declared, urging a shift toward pragmatic economic partnerships tied to firm commitments: curbing illegal immigration, returning irregular migrants, and supporting French enterprises.

The Case of the Congo

Mariani also dismissed claims by some Congolese political groups that closer ties with Brussels would bring prosperity.

“As long as the European Union does not change its approach in Africa, the idea that deeper engagement with Brussels will bring development is an illusion,” he warned.

He cautioned against blind cooperation with foreign actors who, under the guise of development, facilitate the exploitation of natural resources and destabilize entire regions—explicitly citing the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

To pro-European Congolese leaders, Mariani posed a pointed question:

“How can you promise your citizens that closer ties with the European Union will benefit them, when today the EU sides with those who destabilize your countries and plunder your resources?”

A France to be Rebuilt on Sovereignist Foundations

On domestic politics, Mariani outlined a radically different future. He envisions France reorganizing into three blocs: the far left driven by immigration, the collapsing Macronist center, and a “patriotic and national” bloc he hopes will prevail.

According to him, only a new majority embodied by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella can restore the country.

“The French people are determined to take back their country from irresponsible elites and they will,” he said.

Redefining Priorities

The interview underscores growing tensions between Europe’s universalist foreign policy and a sovereignist approach centered on national interests. For Mariani, the issue is not about abandoning Africa but about ending what he calls “hypocritical and ineffective cooperation.”

As many African nations seek to diversify their economic partnerships, France and the EU face a dual challenge: redefining their role on the continent while restoring credibility—both abroad and among their own citizens.