France's Minister for Social Economy and French Associations, Marlene Schiappa, has found herself at the center of controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine. The 12-page interview accompanying her photo shoot focused on women's rights and LGBT issues.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, having spearheaded France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister role in 2017. Her ministry successfully introduced a new law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women on the street.
However, her recent appearance in Playboy magazine has sparked criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who deemed it "not appropriate" and described the timing as particularly awkward. The controversy comes as France is in the midst of a heated debate over pension reforms.
Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau criticized Schiappa's appearance, saying that she was feeling like she was operating behind a "smoke screen." Meanwhile, far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for greater accountability from President Emmanuel Macron and his government, criticizing both Schiappa's image in the magazine and the decision to interview children's magazine Pif Gadget.
Schiappa defended her right to express herself on Twitter, stating that defending women's control over their bodies was an ongoing issue. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin also came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character" during an interview with CNews.
The controversy highlights the complexities and challenges facing France's current government as it navigates social crisis and pension reform debates.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, having spearheaded France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister role in 2017. Her ministry successfully introduced a new law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women on the street.
However, her recent appearance in Playboy magazine has sparked criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who deemed it "not appropriate" and described the timing as particularly awkward. The controversy comes as France is in the midst of a heated debate over pension reforms.
Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau criticized Schiappa's appearance, saying that she was feeling like she was operating behind a "smoke screen." Meanwhile, far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for greater accountability from President Emmanuel Macron and his government, criticizing both Schiappa's image in the magazine and the decision to interview children's magazine Pif Gadget.
Schiappa defended her right to express herself on Twitter, stating that defending women's control over their bodies was an ongoing issue. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin also came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character" during an interview with CNews.
The controversy highlights the complexities and challenges facing France's current government as it navigates social crisis and pension reform debates.
. Schiappa's been vocal about women's rights and all that jazz, but suddenly she's on the cover of a risqué mag? It smells like a setup to me 
. And what's with the timing? When France is in the middle of pension reform drama? It's like they're trying to distract us from the real issues 
.
. Some of her own party members are throwing shade, and now it's being used as a wedge issue? Give me a break 
. Schiappa's got a point about women's rights, but can't she make it without flashing her... um, breasts? 
I mean, what's next? A "body positivity" ad campaign for the French government? 
So like, I'm thinking, Marlene Schiappa is actually kinda a hero for speaking out about women's rights and stuff. I mean, she's been doing this work for ages, and to have that kind of influence in the government... it's pretty cool.
it's wild how times change. anyway, schiappa's got more enemies than i thought... some people r mad she spoke out about women's rights and stuff, but others are like "girl, you do u" 
! As a huge fan of her work on women's rights, I thought she was doing something empowering, but now I'm torn 
. On the other hand, Playboy isn't exactly known for its serious content 
. Can't we just focus on the issues at hand? 
#StayFocused