Macron’s attempt to create First Lady status in France meets stiff opposition

President Emmanuel Macron’s attempt to create an official First Lady status is facing stiff opposition in France
As at Monday morning, more than 190,000 people have opposed the move to see Brigitte Macron referred to as the First Lady of France.
Macron became President in May. During his presidential campaign, he said that he wanted to create the position for his wife to clarify her status, promising that no public funds would be used to pay her.
The founder of the National Equality Movement, Thierry Paul Valette, is the leader of those opposed to the move.
His online petition was published on the change.org platform.
Aside opposing the move, the organisation has also promised to combat corruption and discrimination.
In the petition, Valette declared that, if enacted, the special status would allow the First Lady benefit from the French budget.
Having an office, staff and an allowance from the public purse are examples of some such benefits.