Europe

Sexism in French politics: New scandals, and no end in sight

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Feminist groups gather during a protest to demand an end to widespread sexism in French politics, next to the National Assembly in Paris, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Two French government ministers and a top legislator stand accused of sexually harassing or abusing women _ allegedly grabbing breasts, tweaking thong underwear or other inappropriate behavior in the workplace. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (The Associated Press)

Feminist groups gather during a protest to demand an end to widespread sexism in French politics, next to the National Assembly in Paris, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Two French government ministers and a top legislator stand accused of sexually harassing or abusing women _ allegedly grabbing breasts, tweaking thong underwear or other inappropriate behavior in the workplace. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (The Associated Press)

A woman with a fake beard attends a protest to demand an end to widespread sexism in French politics, next to the National Assembly in Paris, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Two French government ministers and a top legislator stand accused of sexually harassing or abusing women _ allegedly grabbing breasts, tweaking thong underwear or other inappropriate behavior in the workplace. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (The Associated Press)

Two French government ministers and a top legislator stand accused of sexually harassing or abusing women — allegedly grabbing breasts, tweaking thong underwear or other inappropriate behavior in the workplace.

Feminist groups are holding a protest Wednesday to demand an end to widespread sexism in French politics, angry that little has changed five years after Dominique Strauss-Kahn's sex scandals caused uproar.

Paris prosecutors are investigating allegations of breast-grabbing and other behavior by Denis Baupin, who resigned as vice president of the lower house of parliament this week. He denies misconduct.

A recent Buzzfeed report exposed long-buried accusations that Territories Minister Jean-Michel Baylet repeatedly hit a female aide.

Finance Minister Michel Sapin was accused in a book of touching a journalist's underwear in 2015. Sapin reportedly has acknowledged an inappropriate gesture.