A strings attached.
Emmanuel Macron was strongly challenged, during a trip to Gaillac (Tarn) on Thursday on the theme of security in rural areas, by a young woman about two ministers accused of rape.
“You put at the head of the state men who are accused of rape and violence against women, why?
“Launched this one, in her twenties, during a walkabout of the president.
The head of state had stopped the procession and got out of the car to meet several dozen residents posted behind a barrier.
The liberation of speech, “I accompanied her and I will continue to accompany her, to protect her.
At the same time, to function in society you must have the presumption of innocence,” he replied.
Read also Accusations of sexual violence: how the Damien Abad case embarrasses the new government
The cries of "liar" and a "you are abominable" then sounded.
Imperturbable, the head of state continued to shake hands.
" How are you?
", " Are you doing well?
“, he inquired of the inhabitants.
Beginning of the leaded five-year term
Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior, had been the target of a complaint for rape, first dismissed, then relaunched and for which the prosecution requested a dismissal of the case at the start of 2022. Recently appointed Minister of Solidarity, Damien Abad is meanwhile accused of sexual violence, following a letter from the Observatory of sexist and sexual violence, an association created in February, in the wake of the MeToo movement.
In this case, the Paris prosecutor's office did not open a preliminary investigation "as it stands", for lack of "elements allowing the victim of the facts denounced to be identified".
The accusations against Damien Abad, which occurred just after his appointment, reignited the anger of feminist associations, already very upset after the accusations against Gérald Darmanin.
VIDEO.
Accused of rape, Damien Abad says he is "innocent" and will not resign from his post as minister
This affair weighed down the first days of Emmanuel Macron's new five-year term, while the Head of State for the second time made equality between men and women a priority for his five-year term.
Calls for the resignation of the Minister of Solidarity had immediately emanated from the ranks of the opposition and feminist associations.
The latter had notably demonstrated in Paris, at the call of the Observatory to denounce “a government of shame”.
