French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian Authority (PA) leader Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to establish a joint French-Palestinian committee to draft a new constitution for a future Palestinian state.

The initiative, announced following their meeting in Paris, aims to “consolidate the foundations of a democratic and sovereign Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel,” according to Macron.Abbas confirmed his approval for the committee’s rapid formation, calling the reform process “a necessary step toward a viable and unified state.” However, analysts say the announcement comes at a time of profound political disillusionment among Palestinians, with widespread skepticism over the leadership’s legitimacy and its ability to represent the people’s aspirations under Israeli occupation.

Mounting Criticism of Abbas and the PA

Political observers and civil society groups accuse the Palestinian Authority of failing to effectively defend the rights of its people, particularly regarding refugees, internal governance, and coordination with the Israeli occupation. Critics argue that security cooperation with Israel has become “a strategic choice” for the PA, often at the expense of the Palestinian cause.

According to independent surveys by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR), around 80% of Palestinians believe the PA is plagued by corruption, and the majority view its leadership as disconnected from national priorities. The government’s lack of transparency and perceived subordination to foreign influence have deepened what many describe as a “crisis of representation.”

Reform or Repetition?

While Macron praised Abbas for presenting a draft constitutional framework, many Palestinians remain unconvinced that another reform process under current leadership can restore trust. Critics fear that the proposed constitution may not address core issues such as the right of return for refugees, internal political accountability, and full sovereignty over the West Bank and Jerusalem.

During the Paris meeting, Macron also reaffirmed France’s support for a two-state solution and condemned Israeli settlement expansion and annexation plans, calling them “red lines.” However, no concrete steps or guarantees have yet been outlined to halt ongoing settlement activities or improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

A Leadership Facing Legitimacy Challenges

Abbas, who has been in power since 2005 without holding new elections, faces mounting internal and international pressure to introduce genuine reforms. In recent years, public confidence in the PA has reached historic lows, with repeated protests in Ramallah and other cities calling for accountability and renewal of leadership.

As France positions itself as a diplomatic mediator, the proposed constitutional reform risks being perceived as another external initiative lacking public mandate. Analysts warn that without real participation from Palestinian civil society, youth groups, and resistance movements, the reform process may only deepen the existing gap between the leadership and the people.

For many Palestinians, the fundamental question remains unanswered: can a leadership facing an 80% trust deficit truly lead a national renewal, or will this reform become another chapter in the ongoing political stagnation?(ILKHA)