France: People Disapprove of Macron’s ‘First Lady’ Proposal

French President, Emmanuel Macron, is facing backlash over the proposal to give his wife, Brigitte Macron, an official title and role as ‘First Lady’ of France.

Traditionally, the French president’s partner does not receive an official title or role in parliament. Instead, his or her role can be defined as the president see fit.

During his campaign, Macron said that he would like to “clarify the role” of the president’s partner during his time in office:

“I would like a defined framework and I will ask for the subject to be worked on…The person living with you should be able to have a role and be recognised for that role [sic].”.

The French constitution allows for the partner of the president to have an office, security, staff and an allowance, provided for by the government from the presidential Elysée budget.

Auditors in France have estimated that this allowance is usually around €450,000 a year.

Should Macron’s proposal go ahead, Brigitte Macron would receive an official title, and the government would create a separate budget for her.

An online petition was started on change.org, in retaliation against Macron’s proposal. The petition demands that no public money be put aside for the proposed role of First Lady.

“Brigitte Macron currently has a team of two or three aides, as well as two secretaries and two security agents. That’s enough,” the petition reads.

By Sunday evening, the petition had already garnered more than 160 000 signatures.

The proposal comes at an contentious time. Just recently, Macron began preparing legislation for his new ‘mortality law’, which would prevent members of parliament from employing partners or family members.

Macron has not yet commented on the petition.

Image credit: Emmanuel Macron & wife Brigitte (2017) [online image] sourced on 7 August 2017 at https://www.yahoo.com/news/french-presidential-contender-emmanuel-macrons-unique-love-story-193950929.html