France’s new Prime Minister has staunchly defended the appointment of a cabinet member who has been accused of rape.
Jean Castex expressed his support for new Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who was given the role on July 6.
Women's rights groups have protested at the appointment and questions have been levelled at President Emmanuel Macron surrounding his promise to make gender equality a priority in the country.
Mr Darmanin denies an allegation of rape and is being made subject to a preliminary investigation.
Mr Castex told broadcaster BFM TV that he takes total responsibility for Mr Darmanin’s appointment after promotion from his previous job as Budget Minister.
“He, like everyone else, has the right to the presumption of innocence,” the PM said.
Mr Macron’s office has said the inquiry was “not an obstacle” to Mr Darmanin’s appointment to his new role in charge of police and other law enforcement bodies.
The recently reopened investigation is based on a 2017 legal complaint by a woman who alleged that she was raped after seeking legal help from him in 2009.
Mr Darmanin, the highest-ranking French official accused of sexual misconduct in the #MeToo era, said the encounter was consensual and sued the woman for slander.
