The ambassador of the European Union to Madagascar, Isabelle Delattre, summoned the press yesterday to provide an overview of the state of cooperation between Brussels and the new regime which has just been re-elected.
The elections in Madagascar continue to raise concerns, particularly in relations with the European Union. During a press conference yesterday in Ankorondrano, the ambassador of the European Union, Isabelle Delattre, drew attention to a crucial point: the recommendations issued by the EU have remained ineffective. These recommendations, the result of evaluations carried out by European experts after the 2018 elections, seem to have fallen into oblivion. Despite the reports published and the steps taken by the European Union, no significant progress has been noted regarding their implementation, regretted Ambassador Isabelle Delattre.
Dead letter
The diplomat, however, underlined the importance of these recommendations, developed with rigor and impartiality by the European Union’s electoral evaluation missions. “ European Union election observation missions provide comprehensive, independent and impartial assessments of electoral processes as well as recommendations for improving electoral systems. The follow-up of these recommendations is an important element for the continuity of the EU’s support for the consolidation of democracy and transparency », recalled the delegation of the European Union. However, their “dead letter” status so far is concerning.
Dialogue
The European Union delegation therefore plans to enter into a “constructive dialogue” with the government. The objective is to promote the implementation of these recommendations, particularly with a view to the next legislative and municipal elections. For the European Union, following these recommendations is essential to maintain its support for democratic consolidation in the country, it is announced.
Worthy ways
The recent penal provisions introduced into the Malagasy penal code, which provide for castration as a penalty for perpetrators of rape, have sparked strong criticism from the European Union. Yesterday, during the meeting with the press, the ambassador of the European Union expressed her firm disagreement, describing this sentence as “contrary to the Malagasy Constitution”. Isabelle Delattre also questioned the dissuasive effectiveness of this measure in the fight against sexual violence in the country. “Castration is not a deterrent against rape,” she said, casting doubt on its real impact on the prevention of these heinous crimes. She, however, stressed the need to fight against violence against women and children, but using “dignified means”. This declaration comes in a context where the question of human rights and justice is at the heart of international concerns.
Priority
The European Union’s position on this subject highlights the differences of opinion regarding the effectiveness of certain penalties, in particular those which affect the physical integrity of individuals. If the fight against sexual violence remains a priority, the European Union, which joins Amnesty International’s call, calls for favoring approaches more respectful of fundamental rights and human dignity.
Target
During her speech yesterday in front of the press, Isabelle Delattre spoke about the general policy of the State, and highlighted the adjustments made to the government program, qualifying it as “more targeted” in relation to development actions. According to the European Union ambassador, this new approach takes into account the country’s priorities, compared to the Madagascar Emergence Plan (PEM). The General State Policy (PGE) is presented as a project more focused on specific and measurable objectives. It highlights the importance of focusing resources and efforts on critical areas that can have a significant impact on the well-being and prosperity of the population. “ We must educate » she, for example, underlined. The recognition of national priorities in the development of the General State Policy is seen as a positive sign of collaboration and partnership between Madagascar and its international partners, including the European Union.
Rija R.
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