Deputy Javier Olivares, of the Partido de la Gente (PDG, People's Party), sharply criticized a possible third presidential bid by Michelle Bachelet. He also suggested that the former president step away from politics to look after her grandchildren and cook.
According to BioBioChile, the lawmaker's remarks came after Bachelet acknowledged that she is considering running again for La Moneda, the presidential palace. When asked whether "there's no second without a third", the former president replied: "I think so… I think so".
Olivares began by criticizing her time in office. "We know that part of the problems we have in the country today arose precisely when she planted the seed in education, in the tax reform", he said. He also blamed her for "the great problems the homeland has".
He then turned personal. "I hope Mrs. Bachelet goes home and enjoys her grandchildren, that she is with them and stays as far away as possible from the political debate", he said.
He closed his remarks by drawing another figure into the controversy. "I wish her a lot of luck, she could follow in the footsteps of Mrs. Matthei, cook and make some good cazuelas to teach people", he said. He was referring to Evelyn Matthei, former mayor of Providencia, a Santiago comuna (municipality), and former presidential candidate of the right.
BioBioChile noted that the remark goes beyond political debate. Instead of questioning decisions or proposals, the deputy suggested that a woman who twice held the Presidency should return to domestic life.
The reforms Olivares mentioned belong to Bachelet's second government, between 2014 and 2018. According to CNN Chile, the deputy was referring to that period's education reform and tax reform, two of the most debated changes of the last decade.
The reaction came quickly. According to CNN Chile, Matthei responded to the deputy: "The time when women were sent 'to the kitchen' is over". Senator Camila Flores, of Renovación Nacional (RN, National Renewal), also rejected a new Bachelet candidacy, though on different grounds: "They keep recycling the same old leaderships".
In the opposition, however, the former president's willingness was well received. The presidents of the PPD, the Frente Amplio, the Partido Socialista and the Partido Comunista welcomed her words and scheduled a meeting, although some urged caution about a race that still looks distant.
The next presidential election will be held in 2029. Bachelet has not confirmed her candidacy, and the sources do not report any response from her to Olivares' remarks.
