Palestinian President Abbas Calls First Elections in 20 Years, But France Says He's Breaking His Promise

Abbas issued a decree on Friday calling for presidential elections in early 2027 and legislative elections for November of this year, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported [173475]. This marks the first national vote since 2006, when war and occupation halted further polls. Since then, Abbas has ruled by decree [173494]. The new elections aim to restore democratic process, though challenges including the division between the West Bank and Gaza remain [173494]. The statement did not say whether Abbas would run for office [173475].

However, the announcement comes after France recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025, tying that recognition to a clear promise by Abbas to hold elections within 12 months — a commitment he has not kept, according to Palestinian lawyer Samer Sinijlawi [171318]. In an opinion piece for Le Monde, Sinijlawi directly addressed French President Emmanuel Macron, arguing that France does not have to choose between supporting Palestinian statehood and supporting Palestinian democracy [171318].

Meanwhile, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated on Sunday that there is no alternative to a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue, insisting that any solution must be based on a two-state framework [174808]. Sisi called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with borders of June 4, 1967, and East Jerusalem as its capital [174808]. He urged the international community to speed up the implementation of a U.S.-led peace plan [174808].

China’s Foreign Minister has also called for a strong and unwavering commitment to a ceasefire in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for all parties to halt hostilities and pursue a diplomatic solution [174705].