The conservative senators are supported by such left-wing feminists as Elisabeth Badinter, philosopher and wife of a former Socialist justice minister, and Evelyne Pisier, a lawyer.

ECONOMIST: France

This month, the English language debut of the European bestseller by French philosopher Elisabeth Badinter, "The Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women, " is already causing a stir.

CNN: Non, the French are not better moms

He came to the company's rescue a second time two years ago when the company was imperiled by a spat between Bleustein-Blanchet's daughters, Elisabeth Badinter and Michle Bleustein-Blanchet, who then controlled 25% of the voting stock.

FORBES: Monsieur Big