Brigitte Macron to have public role despite row

Paris, Aug 17 (IANS) French President Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte has said she will have a clear role at the ?lys?e Palace despite public opposition to her taking the official title of Frances First Lady.

In her first interview since her 39-year-old husband was elected President in May, Brigitte Macron, 64, also said she could not understand the fuss over their relationship and the 25-year age gap, the Guardian reported on Thursday.

Her comments came after the President abandoned plans to create an official title for his wife after public disapproval.

According to the French Constitution, the President's spouse does not enjoy an official role, though they do have an office and advisers.

During his campaign, Macron had pledged to create an "official First Lady status" but had said that any role for his wife would not be paid for out of public funds. But after his arrival at the ?lys?e, a petition opposing such a move received 314,000 signatures.

Presidential advisers said a "communication" regarding her status will be released soon.

In an interview with French Elle magazine, Brigitte Macron said her role would be "determined not by a law but by a transparency charter" informing the French public of the number of staff assigned to her and the cost.

"What's important is that everything is very clear. As with my predecessors, I will have a public role, but from now on the French will know what means have been put at my disposition," she said.

"My meetings and engagements will be published on the ?lys?e site so the French know exactly what I'm doing."

Presidential aides said Brigitte Macron, a former schoolteacher, is likely to concentrate on "education and disability" issues.