A while ago, France spoke about a path toward the "normalization of relations" between Baku and Paris after decades of deep tension between the two countries. French authorities made this statement following the presidential pardon of French citizen Martin Ryan by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on September 23, 2026. Ryan had been sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of espionage.
But what is happening now? The homeland of Napoleon once again lashes out with insults toward Azerbaijan. Whenever Baku takes one step forward, Paris takes two steps back.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, in a speech on October 13 at the OECD Global Forum on Strengthening Trust and Democracy, once again made unfounded claims against Azerbaijan. These accusations reflect that the French side still cannot abandon the rhetoric of confrontation in relations with Azerbaijan. But what has Azerbaijan done to displease such a "democratic" France?
Paris unjustly accuses Azerbaijan of interfering in the struggles of peoples living in New Caledonia and other French overseas territories for their rights. It is always easier to blame others than to look for reasons within oneself. For centuries, France was one of the world's largest colonial powers.
It controlled territories across Africa, Asia, North and South America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and the Indian Ocean. Colonial rule was marked by exploitation of natural resources, restriction of local populations’ rights, and suppression of independence movements. Although most former colonies gained independence in the 20th century, debates about the legacy of colonialism and France's ongoing influence continue to this day.
Azerbaijan participates in this history only through international discussion of colonial legacy. In particular, the Baku Initiative on Decolonization, launched in 2023, aims to draw attention to the problems of territories still under the control of other states and to support the right of peoples to self-determination. But dear French friends, since when has speaking the truth become illegal?
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