Macron Criticized for Inviting Ahmad Al-Sharaa to France

London, May 7, 2025 – Syria’s interim president, Ahmed Al-Charaa, was received by Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace for his first official visit to Europe since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Presented by the Élysée as support for a “free, stable, and sovereign Syria,” the meeting sparked widespread controversy in France and abroad. Criticism focuses on Al-Charaa’s past as the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), linked to Al-Qaeda, and ongoing sectarian violence in Syria, particularly against Alawite and Druze minorities. This article examines reactions from major French political parties and international figures, with direct quotes to reflect their positions.

Context of the Visit :

Ahmed Al-Charaa, formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has led Syria since the collapse of the Assad regime. Despite pledges to protect all segments of Syrian society, violence, including massacres on the Alawite coast and attacks on the Druze community, has raised doubts about his ability to stabilize the country. France, a former colonial power in Syria, seeks to play a key role in reconstruction and encourage the gradual lifting of European sanctions. Macron stated during the joint press conference :

“If Syria continues on its current path, I will push for a progressive lifting of European sanctions and urge the United States to follow suit.”

La République En Marche (LREM)

Macron’s party, En Marche (LREM) defends the meeting as an act of realpolitik to support Syria’s transition. The Élysée emphasized France’s historical commitment to the Syrian people :

“This meeting is part of France’s longstanding commitment to the Syrian men and women who aspire to peace and democracy.”

LREM MP Aurore Bergé supported this stance :

“We cannot turn a blind eye to post-Assad Syria. Engaging with Al-Charaa means setting clear demands : protection of minorities, regional stability, and the fight against terrorism. Ignoring Damascus would be irresponsible.” (Source: France Info, May 7, 2025)

Rassemblement National (RN) – Radical Right

The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, denounced the visit, labeling Al-Charaa a “jihadist” and accusing Macron of compromising French values. Le Pen posted on X :

“Shock and dismay. Welcoming a jihadist linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda to the Élysée is a provocation and an act of recklessness. Once again, Emmanuel Macron tarnishes France’s image and undermines its fight against Islamism.”

RN president Jordan Bardella added :

“Macron rolls out the red carpet for a man still under UN sanctions for terrorism. This is an insult to jihadism’s victims and a disastrous signal to our allies.” (Source: Speech in Marseille, May 7, 2025)

Les Républicains (LR) – Right

The Republicans criticized the visit while acknowledging the need for dialogue. Bruno Retailleau, LR Senate group leader, stated :

“Receiving Al-Charaa may be justified to stabilize the region, but Macron must secure concrete commitments on minority rights and combating extremist factions. Without this, the visit is a blank check.” (Source: Le Figaro, May 7, 2025)

La France Insoumise (LFI) – Left

LFI expressed reservations, warning against legitimizing a leader with a troubling past. Jean-Luc Mélenchon commented :

“France must support the Syrian people, not a former jihadist whose regime tolerates massacres against minorities. Macron is playing a dangerous game.” (Source: X, May 7, 2025)

LFI MP Clémentine Autain offered a nuanced view :

“Dialogue is not endorsement. But Macron must demand accountability for the atrocities against Druze and Alawites.” (Source: France Inter, May 7, 2025)

Parti Socialiste (PS) – Moderate Left

The PS criticized the timing as premature. First Secretary Olivier Faure stated :

“France has a role to play for a pluralistic Syria, but welcoming Al-Charaa while his regime struggles to control sectarian violence is a mistake.” (Source: Le Monde, May 7, 2025)

Europe Écologie Les Verts (EELV) – Greens

The Greens emphasized minority rights. EELV Senator Yannick Jadot said :

“Diplomacy must not come at the expense of principles. Al-Charaa must be judged by his actions, not his promises.” (Source: RFI, May 7, 2025)

United States

Under Trump’s second administration, the U.S. remains cautious. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in office since January 2025, commented :

“We are monitoring the situation in Syria. Any normalization with the current regime will depend on verifiable progress on minority protection and counterterrorism.” (Source: Reuters, May 7, 2025)

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a measured stance :

“France is right to seek stability in Syria, but Al-Charaa must prove he can unite the country and end sectarian violence.” (Source: BBC, May 7, 2025)

Turkey

Turkey, a former HTS supporter, welcomed the visit. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated :

“The meeting between Macron and Al-Charaa is a positive signal for Syria’s reconstruction.” (Source: Anadolu Agency, May 7, 2025)

Russia

Russia, a former Assad ally, criticized the visit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said :

“Welcoming a former jihadist leader in Paris exposes Western hypocrisy.” (Source: TASS, May 7, 2025)

United Arab Emirates

The UAE, which facilitated Syria-Israel talks, supported the initiative. Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said :

“Al-Charaa’s visit to Paris is an important step toward stabilizing Syria.” (Source: Gulf News, May 7, 2025)

Analysis: A Risky Bet for Macron

Al-Charaa’s visit underscores Macron’s diplomatic tightrope. France aims to assert leadership in Europe and the Middle East, notably through economic opportunities like CMA CGM’s 30-year contract for the Latakia port. However, Al-Charaa’s jihadist past and ongoing violence fuel criticism. As an X post summarized, updated with the correct name :

“Ahmad al-Charaa at the Élysée: Macron’s risky gamble. If the Syrian leader fails to protect minorities, Macron could face backlash for hosting him.”

Conclusion :

Al-Charaa’s visit exposed deep divisions in France and differing international views on post-Assad Syria. Macron will need concrete commitments from Al-Charaa to justify this diplomatic gamble, which could reshape France’s role in the Middle East.

Sources :

Reuters, Le Figaro, Le Monde, France24, The Times of Israel, RFI, Bloomberg, Politico, Arab News, La Voix du Nord, Sud Ouest, CNews, La Dépêche, Libération, Yahoo Actualités, Jean-Marc Morandini, Europe 1, Washington Post, Jerusalem Post, L’Orient Today