Advertisement

Ministers exit Haiti gov’t over president’s remarks to woman at rally

Haiti's President Michel Joseph Martelly waits for the start of a round table meeting at the EU-CELAC summit in Brussels. Hostile comments made by Martelly to a woman at a campaign rally in Haiti have prompted a party in his coalition to remove three officials from his government. AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Hostile comments made by Haitian President Michel Martelly to a woman at a campaign rally have prompted a party in his coalition to remove three officials from his government.

The leader of the Fusion Social Democrats says two ministers and the secretary of state will leave President Michel Martelly’s government. Party leader Edmonde Supplice Beauzile said Wednesday that the president’s remarks were unacceptable.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

READ MORE: Haiti protesters demand president’s departure as political stalemate continues

Martelly was at a rally last week when a woman complained that his government failed to bring electricity to her community. Haitian media reported that he told her in Haitian Creole to “go get a man and go in the bushes” to have sex.

A presidential spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. Loss of the officials is unlikely to affect his ability to govern.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices