Football World Cup 2022: the Emir of Qatar speaks in the weekly "Le Point"
The Emir of Qatar, Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani, on May 20, 2022, in Berlin.
AP - Michael Sohn
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The Emir of Qatar, Tamin ben Hamad al-Thani, gave an interview in the columns of the French weekly
Le Point,
his third only since he came to power in 2013. The leader of the rich gas emirate discusses sensitive subjects and sometimes controversies which concern his country: the working conditions of migrants on the construction sites of the Football World Cup or the criticisms addressed to Qatar on its relations with Islamist groups.
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It is a communication operation or demining operation at the highest level for Tamin ben Hamad al-Thani.
This year, Qatar will be the first Arab country to host a FIFA World Cup.
Calls for a boycott are increasing.
Carbon footprint questions
Dozens of reports have indeed documented the abuses suffered by foreign workers who built the infrastructure of the World Cup.
In addition, the carbon footprint of this sporting event is worrying since some stadiums are air-conditioned.
In the columns of Le Point
magazine ,
the Emir of Qatar recognizes the existence of a "
problem
" on the construction sites of the World Cup and recalls that his country has modified its labor legislation.
In this very rare interview, the Qatari monarch tries to answer all the criticisms.
From now on, he assures that his country has "
no links
" with the Muslim Brotherhood.
He defends the special relationship between Qatar and Iran, and he defines himself as a “
faithful, modern and welcoming
” Muslim, opposed to any discrimination against women.
Qatar, an indispensable ally
In the midst of an energy crisis, the emir of this small Gulf country, which is also a gas giant, draws the image that Qatar wants to give to the world: that of an indispensable ally to the West, including when it is necessary dialogue with the most infrequent interlocutors, such as the Afghan Taliban.
► To read also: Mondial 2022: the logistical challenge of Qatar
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Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani
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