France to Abbas: Recognize Palestine, Then Hold Elections
Part of composite article Palestinian President Abbas Calls First Elections in 20 Years, But France Says He's Breaking His Promise View full article →
France recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025, but tied that recognition to a clear promise: hold elections within 12 months. President Mahmoud Abbas has not kept that commitment, according to Palestinian lawyer Samer Sinijlawi. In an opinion piece for Le Monde, Sinijlawi directly addresses French President Emmanuel Macron, arguing that France does not have to choose between supporting Palestinian statehood and supporting Palestinian democracy.