French Minister Under Fire for Playboy Cover Amid Pension Reform Crisis
Marlene Schiappa, France's Social Economy minister since 2017, found herself under fire from members of her own party after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine. The controversy comes as France is in the midst of a deepening social and political crisis sparked by President Emmanuel Macron's push for pension reforms despite widespread public opposition.
Schiappa, who has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights, appeared on the magazine to accompany a 12-page interview discussing her views on women's and LGBT rights. The photo shoot took place just days before France entered its third week of nationwide strikes over Macron's proposed pension reform, which would see people work longer before retiring.
Critics, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, have expressed discomfort with Schiappa's appearance on the cover, with some accusing her of using the platform to garner attention away from the pressing issue at hand. While others have defended Schiappa, praising her commitment to women's rights and criticizing the opposition for using personal attacks.
Schiappa has fired back, asserting that defending women's rights is a "constant" effort that transcends party politics. Meanwhile, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has come to her defense, calling her a "woman of character."
The controversy highlights the deepening divisions within Macron's government and the widening gap between its stance on key issues like pension reform and the views of the broader population. As protests continue to sweep the country, Schiappa's appearance on the cover of Playboy serves as another flashpoint in an already volatile situation.
In a statement released on Saturday, Rousseau, a Green Party politician and fellow women's rights activist expressed her frustration at the situation saying “We are in the middle of a social crisis, there is the issue of policing, there are people between life and death, and I have the impression of being behind a smoke screen.”
Marlene Schiappa, France's Social Economy minister since 2017, found herself under fire from members of her own party after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine. The controversy comes as France is in the midst of a deepening social and political crisis sparked by President Emmanuel Macron's push for pension reforms despite widespread public opposition.
Schiappa, who has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights, appeared on the magazine to accompany a 12-page interview discussing her views on women's and LGBT rights. The photo shoot took place just days before France entered its third week of nationwide strikes over Macron's proposed pension reform, which would see people work longer before retiring.
Critics, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, have expressed discomfort with Schiappa's appearance on the cover, with some accusing her of using the platform to garner attention away from the pressing issue at hand. While others have defended Schiappa, praising her commitment to women's rights and criticizing the opposition for using personal attacks.
Schiappa has fired back, asserting that defending women's rights is a "constant" effort that transcends party politics. Meanwhile, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has come to her defense, calling her a "woman of character."
The controversy highlights the deepening divisions within Macron's government and the widening gap between its stance on key issues like pension reform and the views of the broader population. As protests continue to sweep the country, Schiappa's appearance on the cover of Playboy serves as another flashpoint in an already volatile situation.
In a statement released on Saturday, Rousseau, a Green Party politician and fellow women's rights activist expressed her frustration at the situation saying “We are in the middle of a social crisis, there is the issue of policing, there are people between life and death, and I have the impression of being behind a smoke screen.”
this is so weird... like marlene schiappa is super into women's rights and lgbt stuff, but now she's on playboy cover and suddenly it's all about party politics? 
what's going on here? can't they just focus on the pension reform crisis already? 
i mean, come on, france needs its leaders to put aside drama and get stuff done... 
.
. She's been vocal about women's rights and now she gets hit with this criticism from her own party? 
The fact that they're using personal attacks really shows where their priorities are 
. And can we talk about how this timing is just awful considering the pension reform crisis and all the protests happening in France? 
It's like, come on guys, prioritize! 
but seriously, it's like, one thing she's all about defending women's rights and another she's out here getting pics with a bunch of dudes 
. I get that people are gonna be mad, but come on, can't we just focus on the pension reform crisis already? 
France is literally on fire 
and Schiappa's trying to take a selfie break 
I mean, what's up with Macron's pension reform? It sounds like a classic case of "divide and conquer". The gov is trying to keep people busy while they push through their agenda. 
And Schiappa's all about women's rights, but maybe she's using that as cover for her own interests? 
. Priorities, folks! Anyway, back to this Schiappa thing... I think she's got a point about defending women's rights being a constant effort, but can we please focus on something else for a sec? Like, have you tried that new pizza place downtown? Their slices are on point 
.
It's like, let's focus on the pension reform crisis, ya know?
. Like she was talkin bout equality and stuff in her interview but some ppl r like "girl whats goin on wit u?" 
?
it's easy to bash her but what's the alternative? being silent or compromising on values just to fit in with the party? 
she's a role model for many young women out there. 
Her commitment to women's rights is truly inspiring 
. I tried this crazy Korean BBQ recipe last night and it was SO good! The combination of spicy Gochujang sauce and sweet caramelized onions is literally a match made in heaven 
. Anyway, back to France... I don't get why people are so worked up about Marlene Schiappa's Playboy cover 
Like, can't we just appreciate her dedication to the cause without making a big deal out of her appearance? 
Or maybe it just means she's got a sense of humor about herself? 
