French President Emmanuel Macron announced that more than €50 million—seized by French judicial authorities as illicit assets linked to the Assad family—will be redirected to support development projects benefiting the Syrian people. The announcement came during Macron’s visit to Damascus, where France and Syria signed several cooperation agreements, including one on the restitution of assets confiscated from Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
€51 Million for Syrian Development
According to a joint document signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, the total amount to be returned is €51 million. Macron confirmed in a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that these funds will finance reconstruction and development initiatives across Syria.
Rifaat al-Assad’s Conviction and Return
Rifaat al-Assad was convicted in France for money laundering and embezzlement of Syrian public funds. He lived in exile in Europe for decades before returning to Syria in 2021—reportedly to avoid serving a prison sentence handed down by French courts. During his brother Hafez al-Assad’s presidency, Rifaat led elite military units and has long been associated with the brutal 1982 crackdown on the uprising in Hama, in which an estimated 10,000 to 40,000 people were killed.
Broader Security Cooperation
Macron also addressed bilateral security ties, stating that Paris is reviewing its cooperation framework with Syria. He did not rule out potential support from French special forces in operations against the Islamic State. “France remains committed to combating terrorism in the region,” he said, adding that a new cooperation framework is under discussion to counter terrorist organizations.
Furthermore, Macron indicated that the French government is open to future collaboration aimed at modernizing and equipping the Syrian armed forces—within the context of the renewed relationship both nations seek to build.