Analyst: France's embrace of MBS shows economic and security priorities trump Western values
A Der Spiegel correspondent says French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflects pure realpolitik. She argues that Saudi Arabia has become too important for energy, regional security, investment and Middle East diplomacy to remain isolated. Macron aims to position France as an independent, balanced power between the Mediterranean and the Gulf.
The visit marks a notable shift in French diplomatic posture toward the Gulf. Der Spiegel correspondent Susanne Koelbl characterizes Macron's invitation as pure realpolitik, noting Saudi Arabia's outsized role in energy markets, regional security, and investment flows made continued isolation untenable. The French president reportedly seeks to position his country as an independent arbiter between Mediterranean states and Gulf powers.
Macron's outreach comes amid heightened Middle East tensions, including recent US-Iran exchanges and ongoing regional instability. By hosting the crown prince, France signals willingness to engage with Riyadh despite human rights concerns that have complicated Western relations with the kingdom. The move underscores how strategic calculations increasingly outweigh ideological considerations in European diplomacy toward the Gulf.
This diplomatic embrace could reshape European perceptions of Saudi Arabia, potentially normalizing engagement with a leader previously ostracized over human rights concerns. Western governments may face domestic criticism from human rights advocates, while Gulf states might view France as a more pragmatic partner than the United States. The visit may also influence how other European nations calibrate their Middle East policies, though its long-term impact on regional stability remains uncertain.