Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan recently took to social media to express her views on the Western Sahara conflict. She examined the differing stances of Morocco, Algeria, and the Polisario Front, focusing on key issues such as the proposed self-determination referendum, the exploitation of natural resources, and the historical Green March. «In recent years, Morocco has poured billions of euros into this region, especially in sectors like public services, education, renewable energy, infrastructure, and tourism. Meanwhile, the Polisario Front criticizes what it calls "illegal exploitation"», said the MEP, who is affiliated with La France Insoumise. Hassan pointed out that «since 2007, Morocco has been advocating for an autonomy plan under its sovereignty. The international community remains divided on this issue, although some view this proposal as "the most pragmatic" and "consensual" solution. The Polisario Front, however, continues to denounce "illegal exploitation".» She also touched on the contentious referendum topic: «To this day, there is no agreement on the voter list. Who is eligible to vote? The Sahrawis living in Morocco, Moroccans residing in the Sahara, or the Sahrawis from the Tindouf camps? This question remains unresolved.» Reflecting on the Green March, Hassan noted that «over 300,000 Moroccans participated» in this event initiated on November 6, 1975, by King Hassan II, where «unarmed volunteers peacefully crossed the Sahara border». The tone used by the MEP, known for her connections with pro-Polisario activists and the Algerian regime, is of particular interest. During the European elections campaign on June 9, 2024, Rima Hassan, then a candidate for LFI, was seen in France with Polisario supporters, donning the Palestinian kufiya. Shortly after her electoral victory, she visited Algiers on July 5, 2024, to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of Algeria's independence and attend a football match. Upon returning to France, she declared on July 9 that «the Mecca of revolutionaries and freedom is and will remain Algiers». This shift in her rhetoric comes just after she voiced support for Moroccan pro-Palestinian activist Sion Assidon, who was hospitalized in critical condition.
