The French president, Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron have faced a public revolt over the proposed changes to the constitution which will allow a recognition of the office of the first lady.

An aide to the president has however stated that Brigitte Macron will not be given the official job of France’s ‘First Lady’ or the salary that goes with it.

The statement followed a petition against the president’s wife which attracted more than 284,000 signatures frowning at the idea of giving the President’s wife a formal job title.

The statement further clarified that Mrs Macron will have a public role, but she will not draw a salary from the French state, and there will be no change in the constitution. The aide also stated that a “transparency charter” will be published to shed more light on Mrs Macron’s exact role and the possible accruing expenses.

This development is similar to the position of Melania Trump as First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), who also has never been embedded in the US Constitution and doesn’t receive a salary.

The petition, which was started by actor Thierry Paul Valette, is a reaction to the enormous expenses incurred by first ladies in past administration despite its non-recognition by the constitution.