Macron told ‘Non’ on job for First Lady
AN online petition has forced President Emmanuel Macron to abandon plans to make his wife the legally recognised First Lady of France.
Mr Macron, 39, wanted 64-year-old Brigitte to be given a formal state role as she carried out her day-today work as his consort.
But more than 285,000 opposed the unprecedented move in the petition. It follows scandals involving senior politicians hiring family members.
Mr Macron said he wanted to clarify his wife’s role “to end any hypocrisy”.
It would have meant amending the constitution. Instead, Mrs Macron will continue unpaid, but with an office and seven staff, including bodyguards, at the Elysee Palace in Paris.