Marlène Schiappa, the Secretary of State for Social and Solidarity Economy and Associative Life, has been criticized in France for giving an interview and posing in the erotica magazine Playboy, which some consider “inappropriate” in the midst of the current social conflict. In the interview, Schiappa poses in a white dress and talks about women’s rights, politics, and literature.
The official is also an author of erotica books and has been noted for her activity on social networks. The magazine’s publisher considers Schiappa to be the politician “most compatible with Playboy,” as she is committed to women’s rights and understands that the publication is no longer exclusively for macho men but can be an instrument for the feminist cause.
However, Schiappa’s appearance in Playboy has been criticized by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, who called her to express her discontent in the current context of tension over the unpopular pension reform. France has recorded mass protests against the delay of the retirement age and the increase of the contribution to collect a full pension, adopted by decree by President Emmanuel Macron.
The left-wing opposition has criticized the government’s communication strategy, which has also included the labor minister’s appearance in Têtu magazine and Macron’s interview with the children’s magazine Pif Gadget. Some politicians have suggested that these magazine appearances are a “smokescreen” to distract attention from the social crisis in the country.