1st round of elections in France indicate significant weakening of Armenian lobby

The results of the first round of the presidential elections in France showed that the potential of the Armenian diaspora and the lobby to influence the socio-political processes had weakened dramatically, MP Ramin Mammadov, who is also a member of the working group of the Milli Majlis on Azerbaijani-French inter-parliamentary relations, told Report.

"This is evidenced by the fact that candidates with close ties to the Armenian diaspora and known for their special sympathy for Armenia scored very few votes," the MP said.

According to him, the results of the elections and the course of the election campaign as a whole indicate that the attention of the French public is more focused on social problems.

Mammadov noted that in the second round, which will be held on April 24, the chances of sitting President Emmanuel Macron are estimated higher: "Marine Le Pen's election promises, her views, and vows find some support in society. But many experts say this will not be enough to win. The economic difficulties that Europe may face due to the recent developments in the world naturally make social issues more relevant. The results of the latest presidential debates suggest that Macron is not only better prepared but also more correctly assesses social expectations."

The MP noted that regardless of who wins the elections in France, Azerbaijan is interested in developing relations with this country based on the principles of mutual respect. He stressed that, despite some erroneous steps taken by the Macron administration, which is trying to pursue an active policy in the South Caucasus, recent events show that official Paris is trying to adequately assess the new realities that have developed in the region and pursue an appropriate policy: "French diplomat Brice Roquefeuy visited Armenia not as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, but as a representative of the French Foreign Ministry on Eastern Partnership issues. The position of Russia and the United States on this issue is also known. Azerbaijan has demonstrated a fairly straightforward attitude towards the activities of the Minsk Group after the 44-day war. France's latest step in this matter can be regarded as a manifestation of the desire to adapt to the new realities."

According to Ramin Mammadov, there is a serious potential for further development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and France: "The weakening of the potential of the Armenian lobby and the diaspora in France to influence the processes, as well as the further strengthening of our ties in the light of the important changes taking place in the world and the region, is in the national interest both countries."