French Minister Under Fire for Playboy Cover Amid Pension Reform Crisis
Marlene Schiappa, the French government's Social Economy minister, has been criticized by her own party members after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine to promote women's rights and LGBT issues.
Schiappa, who was appointed as France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister in 2017, wore a white dress for the magazine's front cover. Her appearance drew ire from French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who deemed it "not suitable" during an uncertain period.
The criticism comes at a tumultuous time for France, which is grappling with a social crisis triggered by President Emmanuel Macron's contentious pension reforms despite widespread public opposition. The situation has led to strikes and protests across the country.
Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau expressed frustration, stating, "We are in the middle of a social crisis... It feels like we're behind a smoke screen." Meanwhile, Jean Luc MΓ©lenchon, who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, took aim at Schiappa's appearance and Macron's interview with children's magazine Pif Gadget.
Schiappa responded to criticism by defending women's rights, saying, "Defending the right of women to have control over their bodies is everywhere and all the time. In France, women are free." French Interior Minister GΓ©rald Darmanin came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character."
As France navigates its crisis, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has added fuel to the controversy surrounding Macron's leadership and the government's handling of key issues like pension reform.
Marlene Schiappa, the French government's Social Economy minister, has been criticized by her own party members after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine to promote women's rights and LGBT issues.
Schiappa, who was appointed as France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister in 2017, wore a white dress for the magazine's front cover. Her appearance drew ire from French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who deemed it "not suitable" during an uncertain period.
The criticism comes at a tumultuous time for France, which is grappling with a social crisis triggered by President Emmanuel Macron's contentious pension reforms despite widespread public opposition. The situation has led to strikes and protests across the country.
Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau expressed frustration, stating, "We are in the middle of a social crisis... It feels like we're behind a smoke screen." Meanwhile, Jean Luc MΓ©lenchon, who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, took aim at Schiappa's appearance and Macron's interview with children's magazine Pif Gadget.
Schiappa responded to criticism by defending women's rights, saying, "Defending the right of women to have control over their bodies is everywhere and all the time. In France, women are free." French Interior Minister GΓ©rald Darmanin came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character."
As France navigates its crisis, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has added fuel to the controversy surrounding Macron's leadership and the government's handling of key issues like pension reform.