Postponing elections is "the worst thing” for Palestinian, French FM says
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- France renewed its calls for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to rescind the delay.
- Barrot requested an official European Union mission to be dispatched to the Palestinian territories to evaluate material and political obstacles blocking the vote.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Monday during an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg that postponing the Palestinian legislative elections until September 2027 represents "the worst thing that could be offered" to the Palestinian people.
Barrot emphasized that “Palestinians have the right to express their aspiration for self-determination and to do so through free and democratic elections.”
He reiterated Paris's call for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to reverse the decision.
Outlining concrete steps, Barrot announced that he requested an EU assessment mission to visit the Palestinian territories to examine the material and political obstacles impeding the electoral process.
He added that France remains ready to support Palestinian institutions provided commitments regarding elections are honored.
The statements follow an official communique from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging Palestinian leadership to organize presidential and legislative votes as soon as possible.
The ministry noted that the delay deprives Palestinians of democratic expression, coming 20 years after the last national elections and five years after the postponed 2021 legislative vote.
Palestinian leadership attributed the delay to “obstacles imposed by Israel” and the need to establish proper political and security conditions, while Israel denied responsibility for the decision.
