French PM blasted for suggesting naked BOOBS represent France better than a headscarf in latest burqa bust-up
Manuel Valls, gave a speech in which he hailed the boobs of Marianne, a national symbol of the French Republic, as 'free'
THE French prime minister has been blasted for suggesting naked breasts are more “representative” of the country than a headscarf, in the latest flare-up of the bitter political row over the burkini.
Manuel Valls, who clashed with France’s education minister over his support for the ban of the full-body swimsuits from beaches, gave a speech on Monday night in which he hailed the boobs of Marianne, a national symbol of the French Republic.
“Marianne has a naked breast because she is feeding the people! She is not veiled, because she is free! That is the republic!” he said.
His remarks instantly sparked anger from politicians, historians and feminists. One historian described using Marianne as a feminist symbol as “moronic” and that her depiction as being topless was merely an “artistic code”.
Mathilde Larrere, a historian of the French revolution and French citizenship, tweeted: “Marianne has a naked breast because it’s an allegory, you cretin!”
Reportedly, when Mr Valls made his speech, neither Social Affairs Marisol Touraine nor Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem applauded.
He urged to defeat what he defined as “Islamist totalitarianism” which aimed at “fracturing democracies, stifling individual liberties, and installing a new social order in which men dominate women”.
The UN human rights office has condemned local bans in France on burkini swimwear as a “grave and illegal breach of fundamental freedoms” and a “stupid reaction” to the recent terror attacks that have plagued the country.
The decision came after a French high court last week struck down a Mediterranean beach resort’s ban on the burkini, effectively invalidating such orders in about 30 towns, although many remain in place.
Most mayors in support of the ban are still refusing to withdraw the restrictions.