French Minister Marlène Schiappa Under Fire for Playboy Magazine Cover

France — Ekhbary News Agency

French government minister Marlène Schiappa has faced significant criticism from within her own political circle following her appearance on the front cover of Playboy magazine. Schiappa, who has served as a minister since 2017 and currently holds the portfolio for the Social Economy and French Associations, was featured in the magazine to accompany a 12-page interview discussing women’s and LGBT rights. This move has sparked controversy, particularly given France's ongoing political and social unrest stemming from President Emmanuel Macron’s contentious pension reforms.

The minister's decision drew swift condemnation from political figures, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who reportedly deemed the appearance "inappropriate, especially during this period." Other critics, such as Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau and opposition leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, highlighted the perceived disconnect between the minister's actions and the nation's current crises. Schiappa, a long-time advocate for women's rights and architect of a sexual harassment law, defended her stance on Twitter, asserting women's freedom in France. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin also publicly supported her, describing her as a "courageous female politician" with character and style.