French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, marking the latter's first visit to Europe since taking power after the fall of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad. The meeting, according to the Elysee Palace, represents France's historic commitment to the Syrian people, who aspire to peace and democracy.
During this pivotal meeting, Macron will reiterate France's support for the construction of a new Syria—one that is free, stable, sovereign, and respectful of all components of Syrian society. The French presidency emphasized that Macron's demands on the Syrian government will focus on stabilizing the region, which includes Lebanon, and combating terrorism.
Macron first invited al-Sharaa to visit France in February 2025, shortly after opposition-led forces toppled Assad in December 2024 following a devastating fourteen-year civil war. In March, he reiterated the invitation but made it conditional upon the formation of an inclusive Syrian government that represents all components of civil society. He described his initial negotiations with the interim leaders as positive.
The backdrop of this meeting is complex. Syria has been ravaged by years of conflict, leaving over 90 percent of its population living below the poverty line. The new authorities, which have roots in the Al-Qaeda jihadist network, are under increasing pressure from the international community to respect personal freedoms, protect minorities, and ensure an inclusive transition.
Recent sectarian clashes in March 2025 resulted in more than 1,700 deaths, primarily among Assad's Alawite minority, leading to widespread condemnation. Reports of abuses from NGOs and further clashes involving the Druze community have raised doubts about the interim government's ability to control extremist factions within its ranks.
Adding to the pressure on the new Syrian government, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes on Syria since Assad's overthrow, including a recent strike near the presidential palace in Damascus on May 2, 2025. Israel claims these actions are intended to protect the Druze minority, with the strike near the palace described as a "clear message" to Syria's new rulers. The interim government has condemned this as a "dangerous escalation," while the United Nations has urged Israel to cease its attacks on Syria immediately.
The upcoming talks have drawn criticism from France's far-right political factions. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, accused Macron of hosting discussions with a "jihadist" who has connections to the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda. She described the meeting as provocative and irresponsible, expressing her shock and dismay on social media.
In defense of the talks, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who met with al-Sharaa during a visit to Damascus in January, emphasized the importance of engaging with the leaders of Syria and Lebanon. He warned that failing to do so would equate to "rolling out the red carpet for Daesh," referring to the Islamic State terrorists.
Meanwhile, French companies are eyeing opportunities in Syria's reconstruction. Recently, logistics giant CMA CGM signed a 30-year contract to develop and operate the port of Latakia. This development signifies France's interest in increasing its influence in Syria, especially after years of Russian presence in the region.
Humanitarian organizations have also voiced concerns regarding the worsening crisis in Syria. Mehad, a French NGO that has operated in the country since 2011, called for a strong response from France, urging that Macron's commitment must translate into action. They stress the need to maintain and quickly disburse humanitarian aid to prevent a looming disaster.
As Macron prepares to welcome al-Sharaa to the Elysee Palace at 1515 GMT, the international community watches closely, eager to see how this meeting will influence the fragile political landscape in Syria. The discussions could potentially shape the future of a nation striving for stability and peace after years of turmoil.
