For us French deputies who follow international relations with great attention, we can only rejoice as soon as a major political advance occurs in the world, in particular in this complex and often tense region. There is no viable alternative to a progressive democratization of the Middle East to ensure the well-being of everyone and regional stability. But each nation must be able to progress at its own pace and according to many parameters that are specific to it.
France has important traditional relations with the countries of the Persian Gulf. It is our commitment as representatives of the French, and the universalist values carried by France to encourage any major advance for democracy in the world.
Recently, the announcement by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim al-Thani, at the opening of the 49e session of the Shura Council, its decision to hold elections in 2021 in his country, is a new major step for the stability and openness of this emirate. We can already say that this is a very important political development that has been taking place there for a few years. This began in particular with the establishment of a labor law that does not exist anywhere in the region, in order to protect foreign employees, who often work in difficult conditions. Qatar is also pushing education by opening partnerships with Western universities, such as HEC Paris or Georgetown University, in order to enable its students to become citizens who will subsequently take an active part in society. Today, this development continues with the forthcoming holding of the first elections.
The Shura plays an essential role in political life
This ballot will designate by direct suffrage 30 of the 45 members of the Shura Council, this central body present in many Muslim countries, and which plays an essential role in political life: it has not only legislative power, but also of the annual definition of the Qatari state budget. But it also sets the pace for the country’s cultural and social life. From now on, the council will also have the possibility of dismissing ministers. In a country that has always had to anticipate the end of the oil rents in the decades to come, it is now essential to be able to open this council to diversity, reflection, and the multitude of opinions, in order to support the future change.
These elections will also be great for the representation of women. In a country where women outnumber their male counterparts in higher education and are actively represented in senior positions. Qatari women will play an important role in this historic step towards civic engagement.
We must encourage the development of other major initiatives of this type throughout the region. We know that Kuwait in particular has ushered in this new era of direct elections and call for more to follow this development. If it takes time, the main thing is the direction in which we want to advance History.
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