Francophonie: New Approaches of Emmanuel Macron

Abstract

The article examines the new approaches of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Francophonie policy. It concerns his strategy of “New Francophonie”, which involves a departure from the traditional policy of Francocentrism and the promotion of France’s interests towards greater influence and consideration of the diversity in the Francophone World, a multilateral dimension in relations with French-speaking states, especially Africa. The main directions of the “Strategy of the French language and multilingualism” proposed by Macron are outlined. Attention is paid to the Francophonie policy projects that are being successfully implemented during his presidency, the initiatives put forward at the last Francophonie summit in Tunisia in 2022, as well as to the problems of this policy. E. Macron’s new approaches, in contrast to the previous Francophonie policy, prioritize the multilateral dimension, taking into account the interests of all representatives of the Francophone World, establishing partnerships in education, economics and business, promoting digital culture in the French language, as well as restoring the prestige of France in the Francophone language space. Africa occupies a special place in Macron’s policy, which opposes colonial relations and ethnocentrism. Facing fierce competition and anti-French sentiment in France’s traditional spheres of influence, Macron is looking for new opportunities to expand his country’s presence in Africa, trying to develop political and economic cooperation, including with English-speaking African states. The main directions of the modern Francophonie policy in the coming years will be art, culture and language, considered as one whole, education and economics, “economic Francophonie”, expanding cooperation within the French-speaking space with the widespread use of digital and other new technologies. On the part of France, this implies an increase in funding and investment in projects related to education in French, especially higher education, and primarily on the African continent, strengthening the presence of the French language on the Internet and in international organizations, including within the European bloc of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).