International
Swedish deputy PM mocks Trump with all-female photo
Swedish deputy PM mocks Trump with all-female photo
February 03, 2017 | 06:57 PM
Sweden's deputy prime minister, Isabella Lovin, on Friday published a photograph of herself signing a climate bill surrounded by her closest female colleagues, mocking a photo of US President Donald Trump.In the photo, Lovin, who also serves as environment and development aid minister, is seated at a desk as she signs the bill under the watchful eye of seven female colleagues, including one who is visibly pregnant.The shot parodies a photo taken of Donald Trump on January 23 in the White House, as he signs a decree barring US federal funding for foreign NGOs that support abortion, as his all-male colleagues look on.Sweden, a pioneer in women's rights, is known for its high level of women in the workplace, including in parliament and government. "We are a feminist government, which shows in this photo. Ultimately it is up to the observer to interpret the photo," the Swedish minister wrote in a comment to AFP.The climate bill she is signing in the photo aims to make Sweden carbon neutral by 2045 and "marks a new era in Swedish climate politics," Lovin wrote."There is a global demand for climate leadership. I want to show that Sweden is ready to take that leadership," she added.The Trump photo elicited an avalanche of comments, many of them remarking that no woman was present for a decision concerning women.
February 03, 2017 | 06:57 PM