In El País, Argentine President Alberto Fernández’s definition of the phrase “Mexicans came from indigenous peoples, Brazilians from the jungle, and we arrived by boat” was disastrous.
For the Spanish newspaper, Fernández “made a regrettable mistake”. El País highlighted the scandal in media and social networks and the accusation of racism against the Argentine president.
England’s The Guardian cited the huge negative repercussions on Twitter, with criticism of the center-left leader going viral and a focus on his lack of racial sensitivity.
“Racist philosopher of the 21st century,” said Argentina’s La Nación, in a definition made by journalist Eduardo Feinmann, who called Fernández’s statements “national disgrace”.
Headlines in Argentinian Clarin highlighted the strong Brazilian backlash and outrage in Mexico. In an image under the title, Clarin reproduced the title of Folha for the deal.
Dutch RTL Nieuws echoed the reaction of federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PSL). Son of President Jair Bolsonaro (no party), the congressman responded to Fernández by saying that “the sinking ship is Argentina’s”.
The controversy on social networks has been the appeal of Mexican La Jornada. Milenio, who is also Mexican, points out Fernández’s mistake by allegedly citing the poet and diplomat Octavio Paz.
After the repercussion of the statement, the Argentine president posted a message on Twitter to apologize.
“More than once it has been said that ‘Argentines get off boats’. In the first half of the 20th century, we welcomed over 5 million immigrants who lived with our indigenous peoples. Our diversity is a source. of pride. ” As a result, he added that he “did not want to offend anyone” and apologized “to anyone who felt offended or made invisible”.