In a recent press conference, Manuel Cavazos Lerma, the former governor of Tamaulipas, stirred controversy with his remarks regarding Cuauhtémoc Blanco, a federal deputy facing serious allegations. Cavazos Lerma defended the position of his party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), stating that they did not support the impeachment process against Blanco due to insufficient evidence regarding the alleged attempted rape of Blanco's sister. His comments, however, took a troubling turn when he stated, "Everyone is innocent until proven otherwise. So Cuauhtémoc Blanco must first be proven to have raped his sister, who is not very rapeable, let's say." This statement has faced severe backlash for its misogynistic undertones.
The controversy erupted on March 31, 2025, when Cavazos Lerma made these remarks during a press briefing meant to address various state issues. The PRI in Tamaulipas swiftly condemned his comments, with Bruno Díaz Lara, the party president, and Julianna Garza, the general secretary, issuing a public apology. They characterized Cavazos Lerma's statements as misogynistic and reaffirmed that such expressions do not align with the party's values. "The expressions of Manuel Cavazos are unacceptable and do not represent the ideals of the PRI," they stated in a joint communication.
Following the incident, Alejandro Moreno, the national president of the PRI, announced that Cavazos Lerma was removed from his position as Secretary of Political Operation. Moreno described Cavazos Lerma's remarks as "unacceptable" and emphasized that they do not reflect the PRI's commitment to responsible and respectful politics. In his place, Alejandra Andrade has been appointed, marking a significant shift in the party’s leadership following the scandal.
The fallout from Cavazos Lerma's comments has been swift and severe, igniting outrage on social media and among feminist groups. Many have criticized his statements as perpetuating a culture of violence against women. The feminist collective "Mujeres en Lucha" condemned the remarks, stating that they reflect a broader societal issue regarding the treatment of women and the normalization of misogyny in political discourse.
Moreover, the context surrounding Cuauhtémoc Blanco's legal troubles adds another layer to the controversy. The Morelos Prosecutor's Office had requested his impeachment after allegations of sexual abuse were lodged by his half-sister. However, the Chamber of Deputies rejected the impeachment request, allowing Blanco to maintain his position as a deputy. Despite this, Blanco has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Morelos Prosecutor's Office to address the accusations against him.
In light of these developments, the PRI's decision to distance itself from Cavazos Lerma reflects a broader attempt to navigate the complex political landscape in Mexico, where issues of gender violence and political accountability are increasingly coming to the forefront. The party's leadership has reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of respect and equality, particularly in the wake of such damaging comments.
As the political ramifications of this incident unfold, it raises important questions about the responsibility of political figures in addressing issues of gender-based violence and the language they use in public discourse. The PRI's response to Cavazos Lerma's comments may set a precedent for how political parties in Mexico handle similar situations in the future.
The incident also highlights the ongoing struggle against misogyny within political circles in Mexico. Activists argue that dismissive and derogatory remarks about women contribute to a culture that minimizes the seriousness of sexual violence and undermines efforts to achieve gender equality. The PRI's swift action against Cavazos Lerma could be seen as a necessary step towards fostering a more respectful political environment.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Manuel Cavazos Lerma's comments serves as a reminder of the critical need for accountability among public officials and the importance of respectful dialogue in political discussions. As society continues to grapple with issues of gender violence and misogyny, the actions taken by political parties will be closely scrutinized by the public.
