Kirchnerist Buenos Aires provincial lawmaker Mayra Mendoza responded to the criticism she received over the outfit she wore during a session of the Buenos Aires provincial Legislature. The controversy arose after a video went viral showing her taking part in the flag-raising ceremony wearing a blue blazer paired with Adidas sweatpants featuring the traditional three yellow stripes, an outfit that several users associated with Boca Juniors.
"So the Court allows the foreignization of our lands, and the news ends up being the clothes I wear?" she questioned at the start of her statement on X.
Mayra Mendoza at the Buenos Aires provincial Legislature
The lawmaker posted the message Wednesday morning, after the Supreme Court's decision became known — a ruling that overturned the judgment that had blocked the repeal of the Land Law. Likewise, the former mayor of Quilmes argued that the attacks she received reflect "the prejudices and the hatred they have injected into part of our society." According to her, some of the criticism was accompanied by slurs related both to her political identity and to personal aspects.
"They think that calling me 'negra' or 'kuka' offends me, or that this can solve any of the problems we are living through. I want to tell you something: 'kuka' is an identity I feel deeply proud of. And 'negra' doesn't offend me either — I'm dark-haired and I love it," she expressed on the social network.
The post from Mayra Mendoza on X
She added: "Those who dwell on something as trivial as this should also read what is happening around them and reflect," she said. The deputy listed a series of issues that, in her view, should be at the center of public discussion. Among them she mentioned "the decisions the Justice system makes, what happens with our sovereignty, with our resources and, fundamentally, with our institutions and democracy."
She also criticized those who prioritize form over substance when evaluating leaders and officials. "Perhaps they prefer judges dressed in suits, solemn, who believe they have the right to decide over people's lives, property and freedom," she wrote.
Mayra Mendoza is a declared Boca fan
Nicolás Suárez - LA NACION
"Personally, I prefer that we discuss what those with the greatest responsibilities in our country do, what they decide, and who benefits from their decisions," she said.
The Kirchnerist leader also explained that she has worn the sportswear brand since her youth and confirmed her support for Boca Juniors. It was in that context that she uttered the phrase that drew much of the reaction to her statement: "I'm a Boca fan, so what's the crime?"
Mendoza also called for raising the level of the debate and again stressed that the discussion about her attire is secondary compared to other matters of public interest. "Please, raise the level," she demanded.
"Clothes can be changed," she then noted. And she added: "Rights, democracy and sovereignty — if we let them slip away, afterwards it becomes very hard to win them back."
At the close of her post, she stated: "Seriously: open your eyes. But not to look at the little outfit. To look at what is happening, as Argentines."
Mayra Mendoza
Mundo Boca
Buenos Aires City Legislature