French Minister's Playboy Cover Sparks Controversy as Country Struggles with Social Crisis.
Marlene Schiappa, France's Minister for the Social Economy and French Associations, has found herself at the center of a heated debate after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine. The photo was part of a 12-page interview she did on women’s and LGBT rights, which has drawn criticism from some of her own party members.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, having successfully spearheaded a new sexual harassment law that allows for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street. However, her recent appearance in Playboy has led some to question whether she is taking her own message too lightly.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has joined those criticizing Schiappa's decision, calling it "not appropriate" at a time when France is struggling with a social crisis. The country is currently experiencing high levels of unemployment, poverty and homelessness, as well as tensions over policing and policing practices.
Even some on her own side have weighed in, including Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau, who described the situation as being "behind a smoke screen". Meanwhile, Jean Luc Mélenchon, a French politician who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, has criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget.
However, not everyone is against Schiappa. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has come to her defense, calling her a "woman of character". He defended her style as being different from his own, but one that he respects nonetheless.
Schiappa herself has responded to the criticism, tweeting: "Defending the right of women to have control over their bodies is a fundamental principle everywhere and all the time. In France, women are free."
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance in Playboy serves as a reminder that even those who claim to be fighting for social justice can sometimes struggle with being seen as more than just politicians – they can also be human beings with their own flaws and imperfections.
Marlene Schiappa, France's Minister for the Social Economy and French Associations, has found herself at the center of a heated debate after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine. The photo was part of a 12-page interview she did on women’s and LGBT rights, which has drawn criticism from some of her own party members.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, having successfully spearheaded a new sexual harassment law that allows for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street. However, her recent appearance in Playboy has led some to question whether she is taking her own message too lightly.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has joined those criticizing Schiappa's decision, calling it "not appropriate" at a time when France is struggling with a social crisis. The country is currently experiencing high levels of unemployment, poverty and homelessness, as well as tensions over policing and policing practices.
Even some on her own side have weighed in, including Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau, who described the situation as being "behind a smoke screen". Meanwhile, Jean Luc Mélenchon, a French politician who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, has criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget.
However, not everyone is against Schiappa. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has come to her defense, calling her a "woman of character". He defended her style as being different from his own, but one that he respects nonetheless.
Schiappa herself has responded to the criticism, tweeting: "Defending the right of women to have control over their bodies is a fundamental principle everywhere and all the time. In France, women are free."
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance in Playboy serves as a reminder that even those who claim to be fighting for social justice can sometimes struggle with being seen as more than just politicians – they can also be human beings with their own flaws and imperfections.