Widespread objection to Brigitte Macron position

The change.org petition objects to Brigitte Macron being given the official title of First Lady and to her receiving additional benefits.

“There is no reason why the spouse of the head of state should have their own budget drawn from public funds. Brigitte Macron already has a team of two to three people, secretaries and two security guards. It is enough," says the petition.

Mr Macron said he would create the position for his wife but that she would not be paid from public funds.

There is no official First Lady position in France and the president's spouse has no official role defined either by statute or protocol.

“If the issue is to be decided we need to have a referendum on it and not just let one man decide,” says the petition, and adds that 65% of French people are against creating the position.

The petition says that numerous people voted for Mr Macron simply to block the Front National.

Recent polls show that Mr Macron's approval rating has plummeted to 36%, down from 62% in May, while only 49% say they approve of the job he is doing.