Sacré bleu, Jeb Bush is having a bad week! Not only did the presidential candidate have a disappointing showing in Wednesday’s Republican debate, he has also managed to upset people who cannot even vote for him – the French, reports The Guardian.
While taking a jab at Florida senator Marco Rubio for missing Senate votes due to being on the campaign trail, Bush made a reference to the “French work week”.
“You should be showing up to work. I mean, literally, the Senate, what is it, like a French work week? You get like three days where you have to show up? You can campaign. Or just resign. Let someone else take the job,” he said.
Bush said Rubio knew this was a six-year term when he ran for senator and that his constituents, including Bush, are looking for someone who will fight for them.
The campaign also promoted the soundbite on Twitter, sharing a short video footage of the exchange and tweeting: “French Work Week vs Real Accomplishments”.
The French were not impressed.
Gérard Araud, French ambassador to the US, pushed back on Twitter. “The French work an average of 39.6 hours a week compared to 39.2 for the Germans,” he said.
“A French work week of 3 days? No, but a pregnancy paid leave of 16 weeks yes! And proud of it,” he tweeted later.