LA PRESIDENTE

MISO-FEM

"I think people have too many expectations. President Lafarge has never hidden that she prioritizes skill over anything else. She doesn't do quotas. I don't understand why people are making such a fuss, and the opposition is trying to recuperate this."

"You have to admit fifteen women in the government against nineteen men, which is a light estimate."

"For whom? Can you tell me for whom it is light? The president chose people who have at heart every citizen of the French territory."

"There are rumors. People who worked on the campaign say the president tended to be lenient with male volunteers and more exacting with women."

"One can't win, can they? If the president were nicer with the women, the debate would be she is a misandrist. Is it me, or are you taxing the president for being misogynist?"

"There are women who are misogynistic-feminist."

"Does that term exist? It perposterous."

"Look at them, it's ridiculous," Severine said, lowering the TV's volume.

"You can't say they're lying," Christian replied.

Severine didn't hate women. She loathed them for their wickedness, a wickedness she didn't suspect she had until Alexis' betrayal. Her husband recent infidelity game with her sister only confirmed what Severine always thought: Too many skirts, too many bitches.

She didn't trust men, but they were more manageable. One just had to pretend to let them take the lead or castrate any dominating trait. Severine was at a point where she saw no equal. Hers had either gotten run over or wasn't born yet.

"Christian, I never said I was going to create a government reflecting the united colors of Benetton."

"You can't blame the public. You're black, you're a woman, you're young. The world is Woke, and you're supposed to incarnate that."

"No, I'm supposed to govern and choose who I see fit regardless of color, religion, or gender. When we drew up the list, there were no competent women to be found. You were there, Christian. Is it my fault there are fewer women than men in politics? You told me it wasn't a bad move."

"I also said you'd disappoint. The opposition will try to recuperate anything to dismantle your reputation."

Severine rolled her eyes, "Christian, these people can't be serious. It's a drop in this country's vast sea of problems."

"Yes, but people have their interests, and this topic interests the public," Christian said before following Severine's gaze, which shifted to the screen displaying Alexis's illuminated face.

Severine put the volume up.

"I was surprised, as you are. The president didn't include me in the decision-making process. If my wife had asked me, I would have advised her otherwise. As you know, I'm a vigorous defender of the feminist cause. Parity and equality were part of my campaign program."

Severine slammed the remote control on her desk, "the bastard."

Alexis' comment was a backstabber that told all her opponents he didn't stand with her.

Of course, the move reeled in feminist voices.

"If I had known, I would have voted Mr. Lafarge."

Alexis freeloaded on the buzz that made him a hero of the feminist cause. The noise kept growing by the afternoon. Severine trended with hashtags such as sexist, liar, and misogyny.

"Madame la presidente."

"Entrez Lauren. Have a seat," Severine prompted. "What brings you here?"

"Can I speak frankly?"

Severine rose a brow, "Go ahead."

"I'm concerned; everyone thought you'd go have and half on the nominations. That there would be gender equality, but it isn't the case."

Severine linked her hands together, "What is your point?"

"Why did you do that? People were counting on you. I counted on you."

Severine took a deep breath, "How many times do I have to say this? I will always choose skill over whatever criteria. Have you already been chief of staff, Lauren?"

"No."

"But you have Joanna Dormant on your staff, right? She has been chief of staff twice. Why do you think she's there?"

Lauren's eyes darted, "to help me adapt to my position."

"Exactly, to help you. I choose skill and potential; that is why you're here. The others on the bench should have shown as much potential as you. I shouldn't have to justify my choices, just as you shouldn't feel sorry for women who don't have your qualities. They should have wanted it. I should have been struck by the thunder of their desire to sit at the assembly. So, honestly, I don't care much about that. I'm more concerned at the genocides and rapes occurring in Congo RDC, the insurgencies in North Africa, the Ukrainian conflict, and the fact public transport in this country are holding citizens hostages with their constant strikes."

"Is that your position, madame?" Lauren asked.

"Yes, but as a chief of staff, I'm sure you'll find a pretty formula for the citizens to accept it."

"Doesn't it bother you?"

"What?"

"To be judged for everything you do or say?"

"Everyone has a role to play, even the press. I don't really have time to participate in a popularity pageant. I chose to be president, and this noise comes with the job. Anything else, Lauren?"

"No, madame la presidente, thank you."

Later that afternoon, Lauren spoke to the press.

"Ms. Lukas, don't you think the president should have chosen more women?"

"Quand il y a un doute. Il n'y a de doute." The chief of staff used a French expression, meaning one should not act while the slightest doubt exists. The president made a crucial choice for this country. It's a burden not many have the shoulders to carry. It's a choice that never satisfies we all know it. You say there aren't many women, but do you know that some didn't want a position? Everything isn't one-sided; one should listen to the other side of the record. Let's focus on the more important things, shall we."

"Don't you feel like a minority in the government?"

"No, if I felt that way, it would mean I don't have the shoulders to sit beside my male colleagues. It's a shame to think a woman can only thrive within a group, as if we need to shield ourselves by hiding among those we resemble. The social theory of the group exists just like it's contrary. I can stand on my two feet, and I am legitimate in this function as I stand just like my male colleagues. In that way, I understand the president's choice."

"So you don't see the issue?"

"I understand the public's query. I can assure you that the work environment is not toxic, even if women are fewer in number. None would take it lightly if it were the case. Is it so challenging to imagine that the government can work as it is?" Lauren asked, looking at the assembly of journalists.

"Don't you think it is archaic?"

"The topic is archaic. Fifeeten vs. nineteen, the difference isn't significant, and it isn't one that can be measured or felt. I ask all to portray more maturity. That will be all. Thank you."