[Carnyx]

Veill also said that the proposal risked provoking religious enmity. "How will a very Catholic or Islamic family react when their son or daughter is asked to embody the memory of a young Jew?" she said.

The proposal has provoked objections from some historians and French commentators, but Veill's criticism will be seen as the most damaging yet.

Deported to Auschwitz at the age of 16, Veill eventually held the posts of health minister and social affairs minister in the French government. She became an icon among women for her efforts in having abortion legalized in the country.

She was president of the European Parliament and has been a member of the Constitutional Council since 1998. She surprised many observers when she came out in support of Sarkozy for the 2007 presidential election.

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