Minister in new French government denies rape claims

23/5/2022 19:21

        A brewing scandal over accusations of rape by a minister in France’s newly named government could taint its first Cabinet meeting on Monday, meant to focus on purchasing power.
        
        The appointment of Damien Abad on Friday had already been mocked by the right because it came a day after he left his conservative mainstream party for President Emmanuel Macron’s centrists. Now Abad, the minister in charge of policies for the disabled and social welfare, faces accusations of assaulting two women over a decade ago — which he firmly denies and says would be impossible given his own disability.
        
        Abad was a last-minute prize for Macron’s Renaissance party that may backfire if the scandal doesn’t quickly fade.