Macron slammed over racist remarks Elysee denies he made

The comment was included in a series of articles by the daily about the behind-the-scenes atmosphere at the Elysee Palace under Macron, who has been in power since 2017.

"The Elysee strongly denies these reported remarks, which were not subjected to any verification by the presidency before publication," a presidency official said.

Before the denial was issued, several left-wing politicians had strongly condemned the comments.

"These racist remarks by the president... are an insult to the Republic. It is an absolute disgrace," said Manuel Bompard of France Unbowed (LFI)on X, echoing the indignation of many in his hard left movement.

"I can't wait for him (Macron) to go."

The alleged remarks "are damning", added the Communist senator for Paris, Ian Brossat.

Le Monde also alleged that Macron had dubbed the prime minister's office under former premier Gabriel Attal -- who is openly gay -- "La cage aux folles", a reference to a popular French farce featuring two gay men.

It also claimed he called Greens leader Marine Tondelier and Lucie Castets, who the left wanted to nominate as premier, "cocottes", a derogatory term for women.

"Yesterday we learned of extremely shocking homophobic remarks made by the president about Gabriel Attal," Tondelier said on X. "Today, they are sexist remarks. We are impatiently waiting for tomorrow."

"Everything goes there (at the Elysee) -- racism, homophobia, sexism. All locked away inside a gilded palace, far from the gaze of the French, who he lectures all day long," added left-wing MP Francois Ruffin.