ABSTRACT

As a former colonial power and long-standing political and economic partner, France’s reaction to the Tunisian Revolution was observed particularly closely on both sides of the Mediterranean. After initial inactivity, followed by last minute support of the Tunisian regime, President Sarkozy spearheaded the military intervention in Libya and both he and his successor, Hollande, announced a re-launch of Franco-Tunisian relations. By analysing the French policy actions and rhetoric towards Tunisia between 2007 and 2015, this chapter shows that policy change turned out to be rather ephemeral as, with few modifications, French Tunisian policy gradually returned to its pre-revolution approach.