France has shifted its long-standing position on Western Sahara by recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory, backing Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan as the 'only basis' for a resolution. French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed this stance in a letter to Morocco's King Mohammed VI, marking a major policy change. This move aligns France with other countries like the United States, Israel, and Spain, but is likely to escalate tensions with Algeria, which supports the pro-independence Polisario Front. The Polisario Front, representing the Saharawi people, continues to demand independence, viewing this shift as a significant setback. France’s new position could potentially lead to increased investment in the mineral-rich area but complicates the stalled UN-mediated peace process.