President Emmanuel Macron and his new government have defended choosing a man under investigation for alleged rape to lead France’s interior ministry.
Gérald Darmanin firmly denies the accusation that he raped Sophie Patterson-Spatz in 2009 when she sought his legal help.
Mr Darmanin says they had consensual sex and has accused her of slander.
But his promotion caused shock and anger from feminist groups and government critics.
Mr Macron started a government reshuffle on Friday following dismal municipal election results for his party, La République En Marche (LREM).
Edouard Philippe resigned as prime minister the same day and was replaced by centre-right politician Jean Castex.
Hours later, a court launched an inquiry into the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The investigation focuses on three senior figures, including Mr Philippe, following complaints from unions and doctors.
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The appointment of criminal defence lawyer Éric Dupond-Moretti as justice minister has also raised eyebrows in France. He has in the past defended Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
Nicknamed the Acquittator – a mix of acquittal and Terminator – Mr Dupond-Moretti has reportedly won more than 120 acquittals for his clients, including a university professor accused of killing his wife and a man accused of ordering the assassination of a French politician in Corsica.
BBC
