This is not an obsession with the French presidential or legislative elections. This is rather a sign to the extent to which Paris and its traditional power centers in North Africa are affected by each other. Thus, the Maghreb elite tend to closely follow the French event as voters swing to the Right or to the Left. The image is not that dark in the present era of openness, where conflict was replaced by agreement in order to erase the memories of the past tragedies of colonialism. It is now accepted and even a requirement for the relations between France and its former colonies to proceed in the direction of filling the gap of aversion and divergence. And since the essence of human societies' history consists of the interaction between the countries, populations and civilizations, no one opposed the teaching of the French language in the oldest Maghreb universities. The pioneers of the liberation movements addressed the French public opinion in a language that they understand with no arrogance or inferiority complex. The openness rhetoric was further enhanced since France was no longer monopolizing the fields of commerce, culture, and the mutual exchange of benefits. Interaction is one thing, but attraction that almost masks one's personal features is a totally different thing. It is important for the Maghreb capitals to have their own analyses and conclusions concerning Parisian politics every time the Elysee Palace changes its soul and vision. Indeed, relations exist between the states rather than the rulers who leave their fingerprints on every stage and who steer the events like captains steer ships. The French also assess the situation in the countries with which they have more than ordinary relations with a difference in the democratic maturity between the north and the south. But Paris, a center of attraction for the Maghreb that was imposed by historic and political developments and the different kinds of connections, modifies its rulers but not its objectives. Even the methods and visions that differ between the Right and the Left when it comes to the domestic issues do not equally apply to the traditional relations between Paris and its partners on the southern bank of the Mediterranean. Some demands and pressures might overcome others especially when it comes to issues pertaining to the Human Rights situation, freedom of speech, and the importance of the democratic choice. However, French politics are not separated from interests. Indeed, whenever the Right or Left parties would move from opposition to power, convictions would soften up or they would become wrapped with silk gloves. The problem is that France's Southern partners in North Africa always have multiples approaches and they differ with one another when it comes to the demarcation of the goals to the extent that their solo dialogue with Paris as well as with other European capitals represents a weak point that causes them to fail in turning into partners and equals. The Algerians are battling France to apologize for its dark history of 130 years of colonization. The Moroccans are working to gain the amiability of the European Union although it is violating their rights in the coastal fishing agreement. Meanwhile, the Tunisians and Libyans are still immersed in their spring, which is yet to become ripe. And the Mauritanians are looking for the French shades to shield them from the heat of the land and the sky. Each side wants to be the negotiator that is closest to the hearts and minds of the European partner. Each capital is clinging to its own plan although the Maghreb people can form one united clan that no one can infiltrate in case they were to agree on unifying their goals and on practicing solidarity. By contrast, the Maghreb structure, which used to be at the heart of the French interest and the European openness prior to the expansion of the old continent's space, has now fallen to a lesser rank in return of the support that flooded the countries of the eastern camp. Spain, Portugal, and Greece were only able to provide help and support when they joined the European Union. The current financial and economic crises in these countries are an indication that the European body makes no difference between the center and the limbs. However, in order for this body to expand and grow, it must push the constituents of its southern side to evolve and progress even if this was achieved through pouring its different products in the consumers' markets. The Maghreb countries, which missed several opportunities in parallel to the European experience, are sitting in the spectators' seats. And with their growing feeling of being unjustly treated by the Europeans, these countries would confront each other instead of shielding themselves with coordination, solidarity and unity. The fears or doubts concerning the politics that the Socialists will be following at the Elysee Palace are not warranted. Indeed, the French voted for France and the Maghreb people must in turn vote for the Maghreb structure, before turning into the experiences of the others whose eyes keep wandering in a vertical direction under the headline of the European future on the outskirts of the south Mediterranean.
