I have occasionally wrestled with my own impulses about how to respond to the harsh rhetoric from some politicians. Should one spread or amplify propaganda just to counter it? The saying that you should let others talk about you, even badly, comes to mind, echoed by a sharp paraphrase from a political figure: the worse things get for everyone, the more it benefits the powerful. Is silence the wiser path, or should the voice be raised? The journalist consensus tends to be clear: media should not repeat quotes that are untrue, unfair, or dangerous through trivialization or incitement. Yet the speech that follows challenges that principle. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid since 2019 and newly elected leader of the Partido Popular Madrileño, expressed strong opposition during a recent improvised address. She criticized the government’s newly proposed feminist measures, including a legislative package informally known as the “Just yes, yes” act, arguing that such policies could intensify aggression in some contexts. The address touched on the experiences of violence, consent, vulnerability, and the role of partners or family relationships in cases of sexual assault, while also referencing legal considerations around consent and coercion.
“The life view they promote seems aligned with a comfort-seeking, impulsive stance that shirks responsibility in difficult choices,” she reportedly said, using a frame that many found inappropriate and divisive. The remarks coincided with a broader public concern after several high-profile cases of sexual violence in the month of May. Official statistics show a notable rise in reported sexual offenses in the recent year, with thousands of complaints marking a continuing trend. In 2021, the total number of complaints regarding penetrative sexual assault reached a surplus compared to 2020, despite the pandemic’s disruptions. The year also reflected a rise in incidents when compared to 2019. Observers note that the daily cadence of reporting is a reminder of the scale of the issue, while the Macro-survey on Violence Against Women highlights that reporting rates among victims have historically been low, with systemic barriers cited in several instances. The same Macro-survey presents further data on the prevalence of violence against women and girls, including heightened risk for women with disabilities and repeated violence by intimate partners, and it notes concerns about responsiveness from law enforcement in some cases.
bad girl;
1. For a child: Spoiled and rude.
2. Lacking manners, rude, inconsiderate.
Beyond her public life, Ayuso has spoken about balancing professional leadership with family responsibilities. She described raising three children as a single parent, emphasizing the effort required to model equality and resilience in the home. She reflected on the daily realities faced by women who work to move the country forward, including the persistent fear of violence when going out, and the anxiety of returning home to unsafe situations. The speech alluded to emotional safeguards such as staying close to trusted contacts and keeping tools of communication accessible for personal safety. The broader point emphasized by the speaker was the impact of gender-based violence on personal liberty and the need for thoughtful public discourse on safety and protection.
She recounted personal experiences of coercion and control, stressing that accountability rests with the aggressor and not with victims. The message conveyed a warning about how public platforms can amplify harm when they echo problematic narratives, and it highlighted the responsibility that comes with influence. The speaker argued for a careful, evidence-informed approach to addressing violence and consent—one that does not retreat from tough conversations, but also does not normalize harm. In this context, the emphasis remained on supporting victims, understanding the complexities of consent, and addressing the social dynamics that contribute to violence. The discussion underscored the need for concrete policies and institutions to respond effectively to violence while safeguarding the dignity and autonomy of survivors. The aim was to encourage a measured, responsible public dialogue that recognizes the real impact of violence and the stakes involved for all families and communities.