23/07/2026 04:17 - Politica
The diplomatic conflict that engulfed Mendoza's Vice Governor Hebe Casado after her comments about the French national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a decisive turn. The provincial Chamber of Deputies decided to reject and permanently archive the impeachment request driven by a sector of the Radical Civic Union (UCR), allowing the controversy to enter a stage of institutional closure.
The vote took place on July 22, 2026, with a resounding result: 33 negative votes, 11 affirmative votes, and 3 absent deputies. The rejection of the initiative was driven by the ruling 'Frente Cambio a Mendoza' coalition, with the valuable support of the 'Libertad Avanza' party. Meanwhile, the opposition, aligned with the Justicialist Party (PJ) and 'Encuentro Mendocino', voted in favor of advancing the process.
To understand this situation for our international readers, it is key to know that in Argentina, football and politics often intersect passionately. The episode originated after the Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France, when Casado posted on her social media: 'Muy bien Paraguay. El equipo africano flojo de modales. No lo aguanto a Mbappé' (Very good Paraguay. The African team with bad manners. I can't stand Mbappé). These statements generated immediate backlash in both local and international political spheres.
Faced with the escalation, the Governor of Mendoza, Alfredo Cornejo, opted for dialogue and sent a letter to the French Ambassador in Argentina to defuse the conflict, distancing himself from his Vice Governor's remarks by considering them of a 'discriminatory nature'. For its part, the French Embassy repudiated the words and declared Casado 'persona non grata' (an unwelcome person). Ambassador Romain Nadal was clear in stating that 'racism is not an opinion, it is a crime'.
In her defense, the Vice Governor argued that her comments were part of 'football folklore' and denied any discriminatory intent. 'I have not said anything racist or discriminatory, why would I retract? Let whoever thinks that being African is a condition of inferiority retract', she stated, attributing the controversy to 'political correctness' and 'wokeness'.
The impeachment request had been presented by lawyer and former National Senator Miguel Mathus Escorihuela along with other Radical figures, based on Article 109 of the Constitution of Mendoza. The document accused the official of 'improper conduct' and 'poor performance', arguing that her statements discredited the institution. However, by not reaching the necessary majority, the accusation was formally dismissed.
Article 109 of the Mendoza Constitution establishes that the Governor, their ministers, the Vice Governor, and other officials can be subjected to impeachment for poor performance or disorderly conduct. In this case, the Chamber decided the charges did not constitute an offense severe enough to initiate the process.
Parallel to the legislative sphere, lawyer Alfredo Guevara promoted a complaint under Law 23.592 of Discriminatory Acts. The case initially processed in local justice and subsequently moved to the federal courts, where its analysis will continue.
In this way, with a categorical legislative rejection, the province of Mendoza seeks to leave this chapter behind and move forward with its government agenda, prioritizing unity and dialogue.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
