French President’s Wife Brigitte Macron Gets Official Role, But Not ‘First Lady’ Title

Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, is getting an official role but without the title “first lady”. The presidency has published a “transparency charter” defining her duties, funded from Mr Macron’s budget. She will have an active role in civil society, focusing on disabled people, education, children, women’s issues, health and gender equality.
A petition signed by more than 316,000 people opposed a “first lady” role. Media comment has focused on the 24-year age gap between her and her younger husband. She played a prominent role in his election campaign and therefore seen as a strong influence on him. The social issues that will particularly engage her also figured as priorities in Mr Macron’s manifesto. The Elysée Palace’s new “charter” (in French) is an innovation and no previous French presidency has stated the spouse’s role so clearly.