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France's Government Minister Under Fire for Playboy Cover Appearance
French government minister Marlene Schiappa has found herself at the center of controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine to promote women's rights. The 12-page interview, which was part of a broader effort to champion women's and LGBT rights, saw Schiappa pose in a revealing white dress.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, serving as France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister since 2017. Her efforts have included spearheading a new sexual harassment law that allows for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women on the street.
However, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has drawn criticism from within her own party, with some politicians questioning whether it was an appropriate use of taxpayer-funded resources. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed her disapproval, telling BFMTV that she thought the cover was "not appropriate, especially during this period."
The controversy has also sparked wider debate about France's social crisis and the government's handling of key issues such as policing and pension reform. Sandrine Rousseau, a Green Party politician and fellow women's rights activist, described feeling like she was "behind a smoke screen" amid the chaos.
Other politicians, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who came third in last year's presidential elections, have also weighed in on Schiappa's appearance. Mélenchon criticized not only the cover but also French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget earlier this week.
Schiappa responded to her critics by tweeting that she was "defending the right of women to have control over their bodies" and that France is a country where women are free. However, some have accused her of hypocrisy, particularly given her government's stance on issues like taxation and pension reform.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to Schiappa's defense, calling her a "woman of character" in an interview with CNews.
French government minister Marlene Schiappa has found herself at the center of controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine to promote women's rights. The 12-page interview, which was part of a broader effort to champion women's and LGBT rights, saw Schiappa pose in a revealing white dress.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, serving as France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister since 2017. Her efforts have included spearheading a new sexual harassment law that allows for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women on the street.
However, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has drawn criticism from within her own party, with some politicians questioning whether it was an appropriate use of taxpayer-funded resources. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed her disapproval, telling BFMTV that she thought the cover was "not appropriate, especially during this period."
The controversy has also sparked wider debate about France's social crisis and the government's handling of key issues such as policing and pension reform. Sandrine Rousseau, a Green Party politician and fellow women's rights activist, described feeling like she was "behind a smoke screen" amid the chaos.
Other politicians, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who came third in last year's presidential elections, have also weighed in on Schiappa's appearance. Mélenchon criticized not only the cover but also French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget earlier this week.
Schiappa responded to her critics by tweeting that she was "defending the right of women to have control over their bodies" and that France is a country where women are free. However, some have accused her of hypocrisy, particularly given her government's stance on issues like taxation and pension reform.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to Schiappa's defense, calling her a "woman of character" in an interview with CNews.