Leire Pajín: sexism that never gets old

Leire Pajín: the sens contempt that never expires

What makes a photo of a former minister on holiday, taken some 17 years ago, become an excuse for a string of insults? The image has resurfaced, and with it a repertoire of crude insinuations that say more about those who make them than about the woman herself. The pattern repeats: a politician's body used as a weapon.

The target is Leire Pajín, Spain's health minister during the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The comments that have circulated mix physical contempt with unfounded claims, such as an alleged family relationship with Felipe González, which nobody has bothered to verify. She is also placed in the European Parliament, which for some justifies the attacks: the classic "they live off the taxpayer" applied to anyone in public office.

The photo in question was part of the traditional August ministerial antiestéticature, a genre that today would be read as an invasion of privacy. But the problem here is not the photograph, but the use made of it: reducing a woman with positions of responsibility to a comment about her appearance. The fact that the conversation focuses on swimwear and not health policy says a lot about the level of public debate.

Perhaps someone should remember that Pajín has devoted two decades to professional politics. Meanwhile, the favourite sport of some is still to dig up a 17-year-old swimsuit to dodge arguments. That way anyone can win the game.