On Monday, March 31, 2025, Manuel Cavazos Lerma, the former governor of Tamaulipas, ignited a firestorm of controversy with his remarks regarding Cuauhtémoc Blanco, a federal deputy and ex-footballer, accused by his half-sister of attempted rape. In a statement that many have condemned as misogynistic, Cavazos Lerma suggested that Blanco's sister, Nidia Fabiola, was "no está muy violable que digamos" (not very rapeable), implying that her credibility was questionable.
The backdrop of this scandal dates back to 2024 when Cuauhtémoc Blanco was accused of attempted rape by Nidia Fabiola. Since making her allegations, she has reported facing threats for speaking out. Cavazos Lerma's comments were made during a press conference held at the PRI's state headquarters in Tamaulipas, where he defended Blanco and criticized the ongoing legal scrutiny against him.
In his defense of Blanco, Cavazos Lerma stated, "A Cuauhtémoc ya lo juzgaron, ya lo fusilaron, ya lo colgaron, ya es culpable. Pero en un país democrático, todos son inocentes hasta que les prueben lo contrario" (Cuauhtémoc has already been judged, executed, hung; he is guilty. But in a democratic country, everyone is innocent until proven otherwise). He argued that the accusations against Blanco needed to be substantiated before any judgment could be made.
However, the backlash was swift. Alejandro Moreno, the President of the PRI, announced Cavazos Lerma's removal from his position as Secretary of Political Operation of the CEN of the PRI. Moreno stated, "He tomado la decisión de removerlo de su responsabilidad al interior del partido. Esta determinación responde al compromiso que tenemos con una política responsable, respetuosa y a la altura del pueblo de México" (I have decided to remove him from his responsibility within the party. This decision reflects our commitment to responsible, respectful politics worthy of the people of Mexico).
In light of Cavazos Lerma's remarks, the PRI has faced significant scrutiny. Bruno Aroldo Díaz Lara, the president of the PRI in Tamaulipas, expressed his disapproval, stating that women deserve respect and that any comments that demean them are unacceptable. He emphasized, "Las mujeres merecen respeto y cualquier comentario o hecho que las denigren lo reprobamos y lo condenamos" (Women deserve respect, and we condemn any comment or act that denigrates them).
The incident has sparked outrage among feminist groups and activists across the state, who have labeled Cavazos Lerma's comments as misogynistic. Many are calling for a broader discussion on the treatment of women in political discourse, particularly in cases involving sexual violence.
Following the fallout, Alejandra Andrade has been appointed as Cavazos Lerma's replacement. Moreno described her as "una joven talentosa, con trayectoria, capacidad y firme compromiso" (a talented young woman with experience, capability, and firm commitment). He reiterated the PRI's commitment to supporting women and upholding their rights within the political arena.
As this story continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about the intersection of gender, politics, and justice in Mexico. The swift action taken by the PRI against Cavazos Lerma highlights a growing intolerance for misogynistic remarks within political spheres. Yet, many are left wondering if this is merely a reaction to public outcry or a genuine shift towards more respectful and equitable political discourse.
In a country where accusations of sexual violence often lead to victim-blaming and societal backlash, the response from the PRI could be seen as a step forward. However, critics argue that merely removing individuals from positions of power does not address the underlying cultural issues that enable misogyny and violence against women.
Ultimately, the case of Cuauhtémoc Blanco and the fallout from Cavazos Lerma's comments serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that women face when they come forward with allegations of sexual violence. As society grapples with these issues, the hope is that there will be a shift towards greater accountability and respect for women's voices in all areas of life.
