French Minister Under Fire for Playboy Cover Amid Pension Reforms Crisis
Marlene Schiappa, France's Minister for the Social Economy and French Associations, is facing backlash from some of her own party members after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine. The photo shoot was part of a 12-page interview where Schiappa discussed women’s and LGBT rights.
Schiappa has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights since being appointed as France's first Gender Equality Minister in 2017. She spearheaded a new law allowing for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street. Her efforts were seen as a significant step forward for women’s rights in France.
However, her recent appearance on the cover of Playboy magazine has drawn criticism from some of her colleagues, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. According to reports, Borne told Schiappa that the cover was not appropriate, especially during this period, citing a source close to the prime minister.
The move comes as France is in the midst of a social and economic crisis, with widespread protests against proposed pension reforms. The government's handling of the issue has been widely criticized, with many accusing it of being out of touch with public concerns.
Other politicians have also weighed in on Schiappa's appearance, with Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau saying that she feels "behind a smoke screen" and unable to address the country's problems. French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget.
Schiappa responded to her critics on Twitter, saying that she will continue to defend women's rights and freedom. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character" and praising her courage and style.
				
			Marlene Schiappa, France's Minister for the Social Economy and French Associations, is facing backlash from some of her own party members after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine. The photo shoot was part of a 12-page interview where Schiappa discussed women’s and LGBT rights.
Schiappa has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights since being appointed as France's first Gender Equality Minister in 2017. She spearheaded a new law allowing for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street. Her efforts were seen as a significant step forward for women’s rights in France.
However, her recent appearance on the cover of Playboy magazine has drawn criticism from some of her colleagues, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. According to reports, Borne told Schiappa that the cover was not appropriate, especially during this period, citing a source close to the prime minister.
The move comes as France is in the midst of a social and economic crisis, with widespread protests against proposed pension reforms. The government's handling of the issue has been widely criticized, with many accusing it of being out of touch with public concerns.
Other politicians have also weighed in on Schiappa's appearance, with Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau saying that she feels "behind a smoke screen" and unable to address the country's problems. French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget.
Schiappa responded to her critics on Twitter, saying that she will continue to defend women's rights and freedom. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character" and praising her courage and style.