Controversy over 'First Lady' role

Brigitte Macron's role as France's 'First Lady' has not yet been officially defined - and yet it has already sparked controversy.

Opposition MPs have pointed out what they see as the 'hypocrisy' of Mr Macron seeking to give his wife a political role at the Elysee, while depriving them of the ability to employ family members.

Some have taken to social media to air their dissatisfaction.

Their comments came after President Macron said he wanted a 'genuine role' for his wife in the Elysee, which would require an as-yet undetermined official taxpayer-funded budget.

In 2012, the eight staff of Carla Bruni were paid more than €36,000 net per month, economic newspaper Capital reports, or nearly €600,000-a-year gross. In 2013, Valérie Trierweiler, with five employees, had cost the taxpayers €396,900 gross.

MPs also fear that an official First Lady role for Mrs Macron could give her undue and public-financed influence over officials and ministries, despite the fact she has no mandate to do so having not been elected.

A spokesman for the Elysee said: "The subject of the First Lady role is being debated and built, so for now there is no comment to make."

The spokesman added that any First Lady role - which will be finalised after the summer break - would be unpaid, but questions remain over budget and staffing for her office.

"MPs are right. There is no reason [for Mrs Macron] to have First Lady status, since she was not elected. The wife of the President should have no other role but private," author and political scientist Armelle Le Bras-Chopard told news website 20minutes.fr.

Mrs Le Bras-Chopard said that Mrs Macron's public role must be confined to such duties as are required due to her husband's status as President.

"She must have a protocolary role, accompany him or her on his / her travels and act as a hostess when necessary," she said.