MEDI1TV Afrique : Maroc - USA - France : Une relation stratégique trilatérale - 09/11/2024
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00:00Welcome to a new episode of Man in Morocco, from Washington, D.C.
00:14This week, we'll be looking at the following issues.
00:16Emmanuel Macron in Morocco, a trilateral strategic relationship between Morocco, the United States
00:21and France.
00:22At the Security Council, France reiterates that the present and the future of the Sahara
00:28in the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
00:30Finally, in the US presidential election, the race to the White House accelerates.
00:34The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco is part of a broader interaction
00:43between Morocco's strategic partnerships with France and the United States.
00:47While Rabat strengthens its economic and security relations with Washington, Paris is faced
00:52with the need to preserve its regional influence.
00:55Indeed, Emmanuel Macron demonstrates diplomatic ability by addressing sensitive issues such
01:02as the artificial conflict in the Moroccan Sahara, while maintaining privileged ties
01:06with North Africa.
01:08This visit represents for France an opportunity to redefine its relations with Morocco in
01:14a context of geopolitical realities in change, in order to guarantee a beneficial balance
01:20for the three partners of the Moroccan-American-French triangle.
01:26The outcome of Macron's visit could have lasting repercussions, both on Morocco's
01:32regional strategy and on France's international position and that of the United States in
01:38North Africa.
01:40The Western Sahara dispute remains central in Moroccan diplomacy, while Rabat strives
01:47to gain international recognition for its sovereignty over the Sahara.
01:52A breakthrough came about in 2020, when Washington recognized its full sovereignty,
01:58significantly strengthening the Moroccan-American alliance.
02:02France has now clarified its position on the autonomy of Morocco as a viable solution
02:10to the ongoing conflict, affirming its support for regional tensions.
02:16This alignment from both Paris and Washington consolidates Rabat's position on the international
02:23scene, while countering Algeria's opposition to the Polisario Front and contributing to
02:29stability and future diplomacy across North Africa.
02:34Additionally, the US presidential and legislative elections in the United States play a critical
02:40role in the direction of foreign economic policies, national and social security.
02:46The outcome of these elections determines the executive and legislative agendas of the
02:50US president on the country's strategic priorities, while Congress, by its legislative
02:56authority, assures a counterweight that can either support or limit presidential action.
03:04In addition, the alignment or discord between the White House and Congress will influence
03:12national and international American policies in the years to come, notably through the
03:18commissions of the Congress in charge of foreign policy, defense, and economic cooperation.
03:34To discuss these issues and focus on these issues, I have the pleasure of welcoming
03:40today from Washington, D.C., Mr. Ilan Berman via Zoom.
03:44Ilan Berman is an American jurist and political analyst, as well as Vice President of the
03:50American Foreign Policy Council, where he focuses on regional security issues in the
03:56Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia.
04:00With me also on the set, I have the privilege of being accompanied by Mr. Mike Van Meter,
04:06a former helicopter pilot in the US Navy and a veteran of the FBI, where he served for
04:1220 years.
04:14Today, a Republican candidate in Congress to represent the 11th District of Virginia,
04:20Mr. Van Meter puts his military, police, and behavioral therapy experience at the service
04:26of the fight against the fentanyl addiction epidemic.
04:30His campaign, a highly disputed race, takes place in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
04:36Finally, we also have with us Mr. Chris Lapetina, our columnist and director of Focus Consulting,
04:42political strategy, and he works closely with the Democratic Party.
04:45So, before we start this discussion, we turn to our correspondent, Jeanne Mansour, for
04:49a report exposing the convergence of interests between Morocco, the United States, and France,
04:54as well as the importance of their cooperation for the future of the North African region.
04:58We listen to you, Jeanne.
05:12Thank you, Mark.
05:13In addressing the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco, and in the context
05:18of a convergence of interests between France and the United States, the fight against terrorism
05:23is at the forefront.
05:28Morocco must indeed face the threats posed by the police group supported by Algeria,
05:34Iran, and Hezbollah.
05:39France, on the other hand, is located in a delicate crossroads between its economic and
05:44security situation in North Africa, in the Sahel, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the
05:49emergence of movements that contest its presence in the region by supporting certain groups
05:54by procurement, sometimes associated with calls for violence and terrorism.
06:03While the United States is firm about the stability of the Limitrof region of Europe,
06:08it rejects any initiative that could compromise this security.
06:14Indeed, military, security, and intelligence cooperation between these three allies remains
06:22uninterrupted.
06:26This visit also contributes to strengthening and expanding this security by addressing
06:32new challenges, such as those related to cybersecurity, and by realizing this collaboration
06:38through beneficial agreements for the security of the populations of the region.
06:44The Moroccan vision and approach remains at the heart of the fight against terrorism,
06:50not only through a security approach, but also by tackling the roots of instability,
06:56poverty, unemployment, and living conditions.
06:59This approach, carried out by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, shapes the African vision
07:05and bears its fruits today, as recognized by the international community.
07:10Thank you, Jeanne.
07:12So, Chris Lapetina, according to you, how could President Macron address the issue
07:18of the Sahara conflict during his visit, particularly in the context of France's
07:23support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco?
07:27Is this support sufficient, or would more ambitious measures be needed for the future?
07:33Thank you, Marc.
07:35First of all, this visit is a crucial step.
07:39It is not only a return to normal between France and Morocco, which has been expected
07:45for a long time, but also a highlighting of this issue within the international community.
07:51France's support for the Moroccan position, which is different and not only imperative,
07:57but it also sends a strong signal to the Western allies of Morocco, including the United States.
08:03This difference, which has preoccupied Morocco for many years and has found its origin in Algeria,
08:09could finally be resolved under the impulse of the international community.
08:15In fact, President Macron's visit to Morocco embodies the importance of the international community
08:22and that this is coming to an end.
08:32Yeah, very true.
08:33Now, let's turn to our guest, Elan Berman, from the American Foreign Policy Council.
08:39Elan, Morocco is getting closer and closer to Washington, DC,
08:43to strengthen its economic security and military cooperation.
08:46What initiatives could President Macron undertake to prevent
08:50a marginalization of France in this region?
08:53Is there a risk of conflict of interest?
08:57I think it's necessary to understand the broader context.
09:05France is lagging behind Africa.
09:08Its profile, its presence and its footprint have been significantly reduced
09:12due to the progressive decline of its anti-terrorist missions.
09:18Although France maintains deep historical ties with the continent
09:23and wishes to maintain its influence there,
09:27it is clear that Paris must now adopt a qualitatively different approach to the region.
09:34We are also observing growing efforts from the French government
09:39to engage with constructive actors such as Morocco.
09:45Because France is no longer considered as the main guarantor of security in Africa,
09:50it must therefore turn to reliable partners.
09:53And Morocco is in the front line.
09:55As France redefines its role and its position in the region,
09:59Moroccan-French relations are becoming increasingly important.
10:04Absolutely, Elan.
10:06As we know, the US presidential election and the elections in Congress
10:10will take place in the coming days, and we will come back to this in detail.
10:14What impact could these elections have on Morocco's strategic positioning
10:17and what role could France play to ensure the continuity of these trilateral relations?
10:31Although the future remains uncertain,
10:33it is clear that the next US president, whatever he is,
10:37will have to pay more attention to Africa
10:40for economic and strategic reasons.
10:44The demographic growth of Africa,
10:47the importance of its commercial interests
10:50and its central role in the competition between the great powers
10:54opposing Washington in Beijing and Moscow
10:57make it an essential strategic ground.
11:02Washington can no longer afford to pursue a minimalist approach to the continent,
11:07as was the case in the past.
11:10Whatever the outcome of the election,
11:13it is likely that we will see a renewed commitment from the United States to Africa.
11:18For France, this raises the question of how to navigate in this context,
11:23marked both by the increased involvement of the United States
11:27and by the growing presence of Russia and China.
11:34France has a role to play,
11:36but this environment is becoming more and more complex and competitive.
11:40This does not mean, however, a threat to Morocco.
11:46If a second mandate, Trump, was to be realized,
11:50we can expect an insistence on the sharing of the burden
11:54and increased pressure on European partners.
11:58However, this will not necessarily lead to a US disengagement in Africa or Europe.
12:05On the contrary, such a presidency
12:09could intensify the emphasis placed on strategic competition,
12:14placing Morocco's role at the heart of these dynamics.
12:20Thus, the way in which France is positioning itself
12:24to be part of these evolutions
12:27in a context where Morocco's role becomes crucial and therefore essential,
12:34we will see a renewed commitment from the United States
12:37to Africa and China.
12:41And, Elan, continuing, let's bring up the tensions
12:44between Algeria and Morocco.
12:47How will Macron's visit to Morocco
12:50respond to Morocco's growing security concerns
12:53emanating from Algeria and the Polisario Front?
12:58I think that remains to be seen.
13:01Morocco has an essential role to play here.
13:04We hope that it will take a more constructive approach.
13:08In the region, it is Morocco that stands out as a constructive actor,
13:12truly committed to development, contrary to Algeria.
13:18The balance is very clearly on Morocco's side.
13:21An increased commitment from France to Rabat
13:24and an acceptance of the current situation
13:27in the southern territories in terms of autonomy
13:30and in terms of federalism,
13:33in terms of autonomy, in terms of federalism,
13:36in the southern territories.
13:39Indeed, in recent months,
13:42an international consensus has formed
13:45around the Moroccan management of the Sahara.
13:48Considered, moreover, as a viable and exemplary solution,
13:51it is the way, it is the most important issue
13:54for the Kingdom of Morocco
13:57while being harmful to the interests of Algeria.
14:03France, by putting its geopolitical weight
14:06behind this orientation,
14:09will therefore play a decisive role.
14:13Very much so.
14:14And let's go to Chris Lapetina.
14:17Chris, we are observing the emergence
14:20of a new tripartite dynamic
14:23between Morocco, the United States and France,
14:26as well as the European Union.
14:29This alliance places Algeria in a delicate position
14:32in terms of its diplomatic access
14:35in the Maghreb region.
14:38So, given these recent statements from Algeria,
14:41do you think that this situation
14:44compromises its interests and isolates it
14:47from the regional scene?
14:50Well, I think that Algeria has sort of lost
14:53its presence today
14:56at a time when the international community
14:59is taking a more attentive look at this issue.
15:02It seems to recognize that the solution
15:05taken by Morocco is the most appropriate answer.
15:08Macron's visit and the outbursts that followed
15:11are additional evidence.
15:14As far as the American withdrawal is concerned,
15:17as Elan mentioned,
15:20in this context,
15:23Morocco's role remains central
15:26to the American interests.
15:29One of the fascinating aspects of our show
15:32lies in the quality of our guests today.
15:35We have the honor to welcome Mike,
15:38an expert in national security
15:41who probably has a clear view
15:44of the situation in the Sahel.
15:47Mr. Van Meter,
15:50based on your experience at the FBI
15:53and in the military,
15:56how do you perceive this new dynamic
15:59between these three international actors
16:02and its impact on the region?
16:05Well, I think it's critical because
16:08the fact is that in the last four years,
16:11particularly in the area of fighting terrorism,
16:15our primary concern remains
16:18the protection and security of the United States,
16:21an aspect that has been severely neglected
16:24during this period.
16:27When President Trump takes office,
16:30it will be imperative to repair everything,
16:33our border.
16:36We're going to have to repair our security on the border,
16:39revitalize our intelligence systems,
16:42and that's going to be vital.
16:45All right, perfect. Thank you, Mike.
16:48Let's move on to the next report.
16:51Relations between Morocco, France and the United States
16:54are marked by the recognition of Morocco
16:57as an essential strategic partner,
17:00consolidating the foundations of the triangle
17:03formed by the leaders of the three continents.
17:06The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron
17:09to Morocco at the invitation
17:12of His Majesty King Mohammed VI
17:15highlights again that the dialogues
17:18and partnerships of Morocco with the West
17:21are characterized by rationality,
17:24harmony and homogeneity.
17:27Morocco's strategy with the United States
17:30must neither delay nor compete
17:33if it is maintained with a former ally
17:36which favors a beneficial process
17:39for the three countries
17:42while counteracting the reckless positions
17:45of the Eastern neighbor
17:48who distinguishes himself by his revenge
17:51and his obstruction.
17:54Moroccan diplomacy under the direction
17:57of a wise and visionary king
18:00thus emerges as a model of wisdom
18:03The fundamental principle must combine
18:06interest, respect for commitments
18:09and conformity with politics
18:12which was highlighted by the statement
18:15of the French president
18:18concerning the sovereignty of Morocco
18:21over all of its territory
18:24and its will to encourage
18:27French commercial institutions
18:30to invest 3.5 billion euros
18:33in the presence of President Macron
18:36and His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
18:39The French company Alstom
18:42is also expected to provide
18:4518 train vehicles to Morocco
18:48while the Ingea company
18:51and the Moroccan National Transport Office
18:54have signed an agreement
18:57These steps and agreements
19:00faithfully translate the sincerity
19:03of friendships, the efficiency
19:06of partnerships and the exemplarity
19:09of cooperation.
19:12It is clear to all Moroccan friends
19:15that the path to the heart
19:18of the Moroccan people begins
19:21with the recognition of its sovereignty
19:24and generosity,
19:27a testimony of the hospitality
19:30customs of the kingdom.
19:33This gesture does not overlook
19:36the rich cultural heritage
19:39of Morocco and the authenticity
19:42of the traditions of the royal institution.
19:45This welcome perfectly illustrates
19:48the depth of the cohesion
19:51The speech of the permanent representative
19:54of France to the Security Council
19:57left no doubt about France's
20:00support for Morocco.
20:03He said, I quote,
20:06France's recent decision
20:09to support Morocco's sovereignty
20:12on its Sahara is in line
20:15with international law.
20:19In this context, Elon,
20:22can we anticipate that this case
20:25is going to be finally being closed?
20:28Never say never, right?
20:31It is part of the UN
20:34and also part of Washington's
20:37policy that debates
20:40never really come to a conclusion.
20:43Because what we're seeing is
20:46a growing international consensus
20:49in favor of the Moroccan interpretation
20:52of the statu quo.
20:55The statement of the permanent representative
20:58of France also testifies to this.
21:01In addition, this reflects
21:04the will of Paris to renew
21:07its relations with Rabat
21:10by expanding them and establishing them
21:13as well.
21:16Yeah, very true.
21:19And by the way, Elon,
21:22there is an organization called
21:25Horizon, a geopolitical institute
21:28that has recently published a report
21:31affirming the next opening
21:34of a US consulate in Dakhla
21:37at the first part or sometime
21:40in the next year.
21:43And it goes on to say that
21:46there is no specific time frame
21:49for this to be set up
21:52and that security considerations
21:55as well as budgetary aspects
21:58don't influence this decision.
22:01So it's a positive progress
22:04that the establishment
22:07of this new consulate in Dakhla.
22:09Is there any truth to this report?
22:12Yeah, no, listen,
22:15this is unfortunate,
22:18but also very regrettable
22:21for the way the Biden administration
22:24has handled the Western Sahara issue.
22:27The Biden administration
22:30initially took the time
22:33to examine the Trump administration's
22:36policies to confirm
22:39this recognition.
22:42But it hasn't done anything
22:45since the end of the Biden administration
22:48regardless of the outcome
22:51of the next election.
22:54It seems that the administration
22:57doesn't want to make any sudden moves
23:00on this issue.
23:03I don't know whether
23:06new significant initiatives
23:09are deployed to strengthen
23:12the United States' commitment
23:15to Moroccan sovereignty.
23:18Look, I don't think
23:21that the current administration
23:24lacks the political will
23:27necessary to deepen its commitment.
23:30I don't think
23:33that the current administration
23:36lacks the political will
23:39necessary to deepen its commitment.
23:42I don't think
23:45that the current administration
23:48lacks the political will
23:51necessary to deepen its commitment.
23:54I don't think
23:58that the current administration
24:01lacks the political will
24:04necessary to deepen its commitment
24:07necessary to deepen its commitment.
24:10I don't think
24:13that the current administration
24:16lacks the political will
24:19necessary to deepen its commitment.
24:22I don't think
24:25I am not talking about my candidacy, which will be submitted to suffrage in the days to come.
24:29The voting process is already underway, a moment that will mark a turning point for the action of the Congress.
24:35We will probably have a Senate and a Republican Senate, and that's what I want,
24:39because, as Hélène pointed out, the current administration, that of Joe Biden, seems to have let itself be distracted.
24:45It is imperative to revitalize our ties with this region,
24:49in particular because of the challenges related to terrorism and economic issues that are pressing.
24:53Donald Trump, on the other hand, is determined to revitalize these alliances,
24:57not only for economic reasons, but also to strengthen our national security,
25:01because the current situation is, without exaggeration, extremely worrying.
25:10Chris, McVean-Mitter claims that the Democratic Party has, in a way, been behind,
25:14without undertaking everything that could be done in this region.
25:17Do you think that, in the event of Kamala Harris's election,
25:20she could relaunch this consulate-opening initiative in one way or another?
25:25Well, first of all, one of the great things about this show is that we put politics aside,
25:30and one of the great qualities of this show resides in our ability to put politics aside,
25:36to focus on the truth, without a tongue in our mouth.
25:40The reality is that, yes, I have often stated here that Biden has been behind,
25:45especially with regard to Africa.
25:47What we are observing today is a new example.
25:51As for Harris, it is difficult to say, because he has not clearly defined politics.
25:56Unfortunately, foreign policy is too little addressed in our companies.
26:00It happens that we have to wait for the election to discover everyone's orientation.
26:05As an American and patriot, I am very happy to hear Mike's position,
26:10because it meets my own convictions.
26:13Okay, thank you, Alan Berman, for being with us.
26:16In the second part of this episode, we will discuss the race to the presidency of the United States
26:21as well as the elections to Congress, and we will examine their crucial role
26:25in political orientation and the balance of power within the nation.
26:29We will be right back after a short break.
26:31Please stay tuned.
26:43And welcome back to the follow-up of your show with the Moroccan from Washington.
26:53With the approach of the American presidential election,
26:56it is appropriate to recall that the election of the president is only part of the picture.
27:00The truth is that electing a president in America without the support of a limited majority
27:07in one of the chambers of Congress can hamper the implementation of a policy
27:12that often leads to a presidency in complete powers.
27:16The American political scene has thus become a real arena
27:20opposing a president devoid of the support of the representatives of the American people.
27:33In this part, we host Mr. Mike Van Meter.
27:36In this part of the show, we host Mr. Mike Van Meter,
27:40a Republican candidate who is once again in the House of Representatives
27:44for the 11th district of Virginia,
27:47a district with an important population of Arab, Muslim, and Moroccan origin.
27:52According to recent polls, including polls published on Tuesday,
27:55the 2024 race could lead to an unprecedented scenario in the history of the United States.
28:00Indeed, the House of Representatives could pass under Democratic control
28:04if that were to happen.
28:07It would be the first time in more than 230 years of legislative elections
28:12that the two chambers of Congress would switch partisan majority in the opposite direction.
28:19Harry Eaton is a senior political data reporter
28:24and CNN representative,
28:27and he has recently written an article on Mr. Eaton's story.
28:34Harry Eaton, a senior political journalist and CNN representative,
28:40has just written an article entitled
28:43The House of Representatives and the Senate could mark history during these American elections.
28:49In his introduction, the author explains that recent polls, including those published last Tuesday,
28:55indicate that the 2024 elections could lead to an unprecedented scenario in the history of the United States.
29:02Indeed, the House of Representatives could pass under Democratic control
29:08if that were to happen.
29:11If that were to happen, it would be the first time in more than 230 years
29:17that the two chambers of Congress would switch partisan majority in the opposite direction.
29:24If that were to happen, it would be the first time in more than 230 years
29:30that the two chambers of Congress would switch partisan majority in the opposite direction.
29:40Harry Eaton continues by explaining that the possibility of this historical overthrow
29:45is largely due to the different electoral configurations
29:48between the House of Representatives and the Senate.
29:54Indeed, while all the seats in the House of Representatives are renewable,
30:00Democrats only need four seats to regain the majority,
30:04an achievable goal in states like New York.
30:15However, the battle for control of the Senate follows a different dynamic.
30:20About a third of its seats are renewable,
30:23and this year, several seats held by Democrats are held by Republican states.
30:35To obtain the majority in the Senate, Republicans will need an additional seat
30:40if the next vice president is Republican, or two seats if he is a Democrat.
30:46The article concludes by noting that it is quite conceivable
30:50that the Congress is writing a new page of history,
30:54satisfying and frustrating at the same time the two political camps.
31:01Now, let's address your candidacy and the goals you are pursuing,
31:06as well as an assessment of your campaign for 2024.
31:10You have been in the race against a Democrat in office for 16 years,
31:14in a circumstance that, in the past,
31:17has been represented by moderate Republicans such as Mr. Frank Wolf,
31:22who distinguished himself by his commitment to international issues.
31:27So how does your campaign stand out from those of your opponents in this context?
31:34It's a matter of dynamism for Donald Trump and his potential return to the White House.
31:39It's a formidable dynamic.
31:42If I mention my own candidacy, it's because it has a considerable training effect.
31:47It is indeed unlikely that someone will go to the polls to vote in favor of Donald Trump,
31:52and then for my opponent.
31:54And although my circumstance is traditionally marked by strong Democratic support,
31:58as you have underlined,
32:00it includes an important Muslim, Indian, Asian and many other minorities.
32:06Many of them are entrepreneurs who are tired of being overshadowed
32:10and of seeing their families divided.
32:13As a business leader, they are concerned about the economic situation.
32:17I would like to be able to address international issues more,
32:20as we have done in the previous segment,
32:22but in this specific election, they are rarely mentioned.
32:25Here, the priorities are economic issues and national security.
32:31When you address these major issues, especially on an international level,
32:36and when you address potential voters,
32:38what are their returns and how do you respond to their concerns?
32:43What concerns them above all is the question of our southern border,
32:47and more generally that of our borders as a major issue.
32:50They are concerned about the presence of gang members, foreign intelligence agents,
32:54as well as the proliferation of fentanyl,
32:57a substance responsible for more than 110,000 deaths annually in the United States.
33:03As a comparison, the conflict in Vietnam over a decade has caused only 58,000 American deaths.
33:10Citizens are alarmed by this crisis,
33:12by the human trafficking that is developing,
33:14and by the growing terrorist threats.
33:17These are universal concerns affecting people from all walks of life.
33:22The primary duty of this government, like any government,
33:25is to ensure the safety of its citizens.
33:27However, we are currently failing in this mission,
33:30and the administration in place is taking responsibility.
33:35We are now going to give the floor to a Democrat representative, Mr. Chris Lapetina.
33:40So Chris, can you analyze the current situation?
33:43To date, Democrats control the Senate,
33:45while Republicans hold the majority in the House of Representatives,
33:48where Mike hopes to sit.
33:51The majorities in both chambers hold only two or three votes,
33:54making the situation particularly tense until the end.
33:58So what does this precarious balance of power mean for the future,
34:03especially as regards the implementation of a real political program?
34:07Well, first thing I think, Mark, it's important to remind our viewers
34:12how our regime works,
34:17the reason why a party could win one chamber and lose the other
34:22is because the Senate holds the upper chamber.
34:26All seats are not renewed simultaneously,
34:29which allows parties to get better results
34:33in an election to recognize a favorable year,
34:36even without winning the majority in the lower chamber.
34:40It's an interesting mechanism in our system
34:43that helps maintain a certain balance,
34:45without having this phenomenon that Mr. Eden talked about in his report.
34:52And, Mr. Van Meter, as you look, as a candidate for the United States Congress,
34:58you have an essential role in the formulation of foreign policy.
35:02Your experience within the armed forces and the law enforcement services
35:06could be particularly valuable.
35:08I hope that you would aspire to sit on the Foreign Affairs Commission
35:12as a member of the Intelligence Committee of the Armed Forces,
35:15because many crucial issues require immediate attention,
35:18including military aid to Ukraine, relations with Israel,
35:21and the current war in Gaza, as well as alliances in North Africa,
35:24major challenges related to Taiwan and China.
35:27So, what priorities do you plan to put forward
35:30regarding all these complex issues from this month of January?
35:34There are a number of candidates, not just myself,
35:39who are interested in the issues in Virginia.
35:41Among them, several are military veterans,
35:44so they have a deep understanding of national security issues
35:48and the preparation of our army.
35:50I would like to emphasize the importance of this preparation,
35:53because, as you mentioned,
35:55we often talk about the situation in Gaza and Ukraine,
35:58but we tend to neglect the threat posed by China.
36:02It is imperative that we pay particular attention to this issue
36:05and, as far as threats are concerned,
36:08I turn to China, which has infiltrated various aspects of our society.
36:15We are facing a presence of Chinese spies on our territory,
36:18while China acquires real estate through the United States.
36:22Governor Glenn Yonkin, here in Virginia,
36:25is taking measures to counteract this
36:27by buying properties near American military bases.
36:30We must address this aspect seriously.
36:33It is therefore crucial that we prioritize this issue
36:36while examining each issue
36:38to identify the greatest threat to the national security of the United States.
36:44Chris Lapetina, let's start.
36:46Mike is running for the House.
36:48Let's talk about the Senate of the United States.
36:51Currently, the Senate is run by a very small Democratic majority,
36:55with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York as the leader.
36:59We could have a new Republican leader in the majority,
37:02depending on the results to come.
37:04However, what could go wrong in the Senate
37:06is truly partisan cooperation,
37:08and sometimes even non-partisan.
37:11Indeed, the departure of the centrist Senator of West Virginia,
37:14a Democrat,
37:15as well as the possible succession of the moderate Senator of Arizona,
37:18Christine Sinema,
37:19by a more partisan Democrat,
37:21raises concerns.
37:24So, do you fear that the little bipartisanship that exists,
37:27essential to resolving national and international issues,
37:30could be further weakened by this configuration?
37:35Well, not only do I worry,
37:37but I think that all Americans should be worried about it.
37:40We are currently in a situation
37:42where decisions are made
37:44based on partisan interests
37:46rather than the general interest of the country.
37:49And this has been accentuated over the years.
37:52It's a very regrettable evolution.
37:55You know, we're from different parties.
37:57When I listen to Mike,
37:59I tell myself that,
38:01although we belong to different parties,
38:04he is not the kind of person
38:06that we need in Congress.
38:08Someone who has a solid background,
38:11who is not a career politician,
38:14but who is ready to act for the good of the nation.
38:17Let's put his patriotic duty
38:20above partisan interests.
38:23This is what we need a new generation of people.
38:26And you're right to underline
38:28that the Senate is becoming more and more polarized.
38:32Mike Van Meter,
38:34many military operations require continuous funding,
38:37while the United States' debt
38:39is now 35 billion dollars.
38:43The army is also leading a vast project in Africa,
38:47the African Lion exercise,
38:50which aims to strengthen strategic alliances
38:53between our country and the African continent.
38:55To what extent is the current budget
38:57threatening, in your opinion,
38:59the continuity of some long-term security measures?
39:10Donald Trump has reenergized our army during his term,
39:13but four additional years are necessary
39:15to continue this work.
39:17In addition, as you know,
39:19Elon Musk has been invited to contribute to this effort.
39:21With the return of Donald Trump,
39:23we will see government efficiency again.
39:25As Chris pointed out,
39:27I am a career officer.
39:29I have served in the army, the FBI,
39:31and in various subcontracted positions.
39:33I have been able to observe closely
39:35the wasteful use of American administrations.
39:37It is crucial that people with my background
39:39are involved in public management,
39:41because we know that a large part of the collected funds
39:43could be better used.
39:45It is not about raising taxes more and more,
39:47but about improving efficiency.
39:49The government, as I have seen it personally,
39:51is extremely wasteful.
39:53Our priority must be to effectively affect
39:55public money by ensuring
39:57that it serves the essential projects
39:59that we have already put in place.
40:01Currently, this lack of efficiency
40:03is alarming.
40:11Mike Van Meter, since your start in the public service,
40:13you have dedicated yourself to the support of people
40:15who are addicted to alcohol and drugs,
40:17and you have described this epidemic situation.
40:19Indeed, more than 110,000 people
40:21succumb every year to fentanyl overdoses
40:23in the United States.
40:25So, what specific areas
40:27do you intend to highlight in the fight
40:29to improve health care
40:31and mental health services
40:33across the country?
40:37I am very excited
40:39about the arrival of this administration,
40:41because Donald Trump,
40:43who has personally been affected
40:45by his brother's alcoholism,
40:47and I have a background in that area as well.
40:49And what Donald Trump does not drink,
40:51and what J.D. Vance,
40:53who is also well known for his background,
40:55comes from an environment
40:57woefully understaffed.
40:59With my own background in this area,
41:01I can bring a vision
41:03enlightened by the experience
41:05in the fight against addiction
41:07and the support for recovery.
41:09What I see in this sector
41:11is a dramatic shortage of qualified staff.
41:13We can build as many treatment centers
41:15as we want, but without staff
41:17to make them work, they remain inefficient.
41:19So, I will campaign
41:21and encourage the government
41:23in every possible way
41:25to encourage and support
41:27young people's orientation
41:29in the fight against
41:31drug addiction and mental health.
41:33Since the COVID-19 lockdown,
41:35we have seen an alarming increase
41:37in suicide and drug addiction rates.
41:39Just fentanyl, not to mention
41:41other substances and alcohol,
41:43have increased from 18 to 49,
41:45which also includes the age
41:47of military personnel.
41:49We must set up an ambitious program
41:51to train our citizens in these professions.
41:53This would not only promote
41:55the economy and employment,
41:57but it is also an essential issue
41:59for the future of our country.
42:03Mike Van Meter,
42:05I would like you to address
42:07our audience directly.
42:09Many viewers in Morocco
42:11are following this program.
42:13So, what would you like to say
42:15about your actions and commitments
42:17if you are elected to the House?
42:21If I am elected to the House,
42:23my priority will be to address
42:25drug addiction,
42:27an extremely pressing problem
42:29that is hitting our country hard.
42:31Drug addiction ravages have intensified,
42:33especially after the two years
42:35of COVID-19 crisis,
42:37and we see that mental health
42:39has become paramount.
42:41I intend to tackle this issue
42:43with determination.
42:45In addition, I will focus
42:47on strengthening security
42:49at our borders.
42:51My goal will be to support
42:53the President in his measures
42:55to better control the U.S. border
42:57because fentanyl and other dangerous
42:59substances cross it,
43:01threatening the security
43:03of our nation.
43:05The fight against the infiltration
43:07of the U.S. economy and America's
43:09prosperity has a direct impact
43:11on the rest of the world.
43:13The decisions on energy
43:15that the next President will make
43:17will have repercussions on North
43:19and West Africa.
43:21So, in your opinion,
43:23which direction should the Trump
43:25or Harris administration adopt
43:27in terms of energy production?
43:29Donald Trump has since the beginning
43:31expressed with great clarity
43:33his intention to restart
43:35a segment linked particularly
43:37to the American economy
43:39which is currently in a difficult situation.
43:41And of course, this dynamic
43:43impacts the rest of the world.
43:45Where the United States are headed,
43:47the rest follows.
43:49Each sector is affected by the price of fuel,
43:51whether it is food or transport.
43:53By lowering the cost of energy,
43:55the economy of the United States
43:57will be able to recover,
43:59causing positive effects
44:01on a global scale.
44:03Before we close the voting offices,
44:05I would like to thank you
44:07for watching this episode
44:09as well as all of our
44:112024 election broadcasts.
44:13We hope that you have found
44:15some enriching content
44:17and perhaps also learned
44:19one or two things about the United States,
44:21about the electoral process,
44:23and about the future of our nation.
44:25So, feel free to follow us
44:27on our social media,
44:29I would also like to thank
44:31our moderator, Chris Lapetina,
44:33our chronicler,
44:35as well as Jian Mansour,
44:37our correspondent,
44:39and Mohamed Saeed Al-Wafi,
44:41our director and producer.
44:43Greetings from Maine,
44:45far and wide,
44:47and we look forward
44:49to seeing you next week
44:51for a new episode
44:53in Washington.