AnewZ unveils "Macron Paradox" on France's fading influence VIDEO

AnewZ has unveiled "Macron Paradox", the newest instalment in its investigative documentary series, exploring the gap between French President Emmanuel Macron's reformist ambitions and the growing challenges facing France's influence overseas, alongside controversies surrounding figures formerly linked to the Élysée Palace.

The documentary traces two interconnected narratives, one of which examines France's evolving relationship with Africa, where Macron pledged to move beyond the legacy of Françafrique and establish a new partnership with the continent, Caliber.Az reports.

The other follows legal developments involving former presidential security adviser Alexandre Benalla and businessman Anass Derraz across Paris, London, Dubai and Baku.

By linking these stories, the film raises broader questions about whether France can continue promoting democratic values, sovereignty and good governance abroad while its own international standing declines and individuals connected to the country's political establishment remain under legal scrutiny.

When Macron entered office in 2017, he presented himself as a reformer determined to modernise French politics. Addressing students at the University of Ouagadougou during his first year as president, he promised to replace the traditional post-colonial model of relations with African nations.

According to the documentary, however, changing rhetoric proved easier than changing long-established policies and practices.

The film highlights Macron's 2023 visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he publicly criticised the country's failure to restore military sovereignty since 1994 during a joint appearance with President Félix Tshisekedi. Tshisekedi responded immediately, accusing the French leader of adopting a paternalistic approach.

The documentary argues that the exchange reflected a broader shift across Africa, where governments increasingly seek equal partnerships built on mutual respect, security cooperation and practical economic ties rather than political lectures.

France's declining influence, the film contends, was shaped not only by diplomatic tensions but also by security failures.

Operation Barkhane was launched to combat jihadist groups operating across the Sahel, including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Despite years of French military involvement, insecurity continued to spread, while public dissatisfaction steadily increased.

The documentary revisits the deaths of thirteen French soldiers in a helicopter collision in Mali in November 2019. Following the incident, Macron invited West African leaders to Pau, France, requesting that they publicly reaffirm their support for France's military mission.

According to the film, many observers in the region interpreted the meeting as a demand for political backing rather than genuine consultation, particularly as local military forces and civilians were suffering significantly higher casualties.

Public frustration later spilt onto the streets, with demonstrators in Niger and Burkina Faso blocking French military convoys. Mali eventually ordered French troops to leave and strengthened cooperation with the Wagner Group, while Russia and China expanded their presence in regions where France's influence had diminished.

The documentary also argues that France underestimated a broader generational transformation unfolding across Francophone Africa.

Many younger Africans, it says, regard the CFA franc as a symbol of continued economic dependence and criticise ECOWAS as an organisation closely associated with long-serving political elites. Because Paris has traditionally supported the regional order, critics increasingly view France as defending an outdated political system.

According to the film, France failed to adapt to these changing political realities.

While France's position abroad weakened, Macron's administration also faced growing scrutiny at home.

The Benalla affair erupted after footage emerged from the May 1, 2018 demonstrations in Paris, showing presidential security aide Alexandre Benalla wearing police equipment while physically confronting protesters. The incident quickly developed into one of the most significant political controversies of Macron's presidency.

The documentary argues that the scandal ultimately extended far beyond the original images, prompting investigators to examine Benalla's business dealings and the broader issue of how political connections can be converted into commercial influence. France's National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF), together with international authorities, subsequently investigated Benalla and Anass Derraz, a former vice president for the Middle East at French utility company SAUR.

The film references leaked documents published online describing a consultancy agreement involving Benalla, Derraz and Russian-Azerbaijani businessman Farkhad Akhmedov. According to the materials cited, the contract concerned efforts to remove a precautionary court seizure imposed by Dubai authorities on the 114-metre superyacht M/Y Luna, reportedly valued at approximately $300 million.

The documentary states that the agreement included a non-refundable retainer worth $600,000, with $200,000 allegedly transferred to Derraz and $400,000 to Benalla. It also cites a proposed success payment of $5.54 million if the yacht successfully reaches international waters.

Particular attention is given to the reported use of the same London address by both Benalla and Derraz in the contract documentation. The film presents this as raising broader questions about the boundaries between consultancy work, commercial influence and political access.

The legal ramifications have since extended beyond France.

According to the documentary, Anass Derraz was arrested in Baku in July 2024 and later sentenced by the Baku Serious Crimes Court to 12 years in prison. In June 2026, the Baku Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to nine years.

Benalla also remains the focus of legal proceedings. The documentary states that Interpol issued a Red Notice for him in April 2025 at Azerbaijan's request. It further reports, citing a reliable source, that extradition proceedings are currently taking place in a third country where Benalla is believed to be staying.

Akhmedov is not facing criminal charges. According to the documentary, he appeared as a witness during the Baku trial, confirmed transferring funds and maintained that he had been deceived, stating that he communicated only with Derraz and never met Benalla personally.

The documentary concludes that Macron's presidency is defined by a central contradiction.

While France continues to present itself internationally as a defender of democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law, the film argues that its diplomacy has often been perceived as paternalistic abroad, while informal networks linked to political power have generated persistent questions at home.

Investigative journalist Marc Endeweld, whose work is referenced in the documentary, argues that Macron's political system relies heavily on advisers, lobbyists and former security officials operating outside traditional democratic oversight. The film uses that assessment to explore whether these issues represent isolated incidents or deeper structural problems.

According to the documentary, the implications extend well beyond France. Across Africa, the Middle East and the South Caucasus, countries that once relied heavily on Paris increasingly have alternative partners, while geopolitical competitors have expanded their influence and regional governments have become more willing to challenge France's traditional role.

"Macron Paradox" presents this transformation as the defining test of Macron's presidency, portraying a leader who sought to reshape France's global role but remains constrained by the legacy of the political system he pledged to change.

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By Bakhtiyar Abbasov