Simone Veil the embodiment of French pride

The well-known politician and women's rights advocate Simone Veil has been named to join the prestigious Académie française, widely recognised as the protector of the French language. The conservative daily Le Figaro celebrates Veil as a national symbol: "Far above electoral division, partisan mediocrity and controversy on identity crises Simone Veil embodies France as we all wish to see it, proud and exemplary. Why? she asks. Because Simone Veil has never lied in defending her convictions, in fighting on behalf of her commitments or in expressing her doubts. Simone Veil has always had only one cause, that of progress. For women, that came with the adoption in 1975 of the law on voluntary termination of pregnancy. With her courage she has dried tears and overcome insults and resistance."

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