Evelyn Matthei Defends Michelle Bachelet Against Sexist Remarks: «The Time for Women in the Kitchen Is Over»

Original article: Matthei rechaza comentario sexista contra Bachelet: “El tiempo donde mandaban a las mujeres a la cocina ya pasó”

«The time for women in the kitchen is over» stated Evelyn Matthei as she condemned the controversial sexist remarks by Deputy Javier Olivares from the People’s Party (PDG) aimed at former president Michelle Bachelet.

The former president expressed her openness to the prospect of running for La Moneda in the upcoming 2029 elections.

In a conversation on Wednesday with TVU Channel from the University of Concepción, attorney and academic Paulina Astroza asked Bachelet: «Is there no second without a third?», referring to a potential candidacy, to which the former president replied: «I believe so… I believe so.»

Deputy Olivares reacted negatively to this possibility and launched attacks against Bachelet with sexist comments, stating that «I hope Ms. Bachelet goes home to enjoy her grandchildren, to spend time with them and stay as far away from political debate as possible.»

He also encouraged her to «follow in the footsteps» of former presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei and focus on cooking at home.

«I wish her good luck; she could follow in Ms. Matthei’s footsteps, cook, and make some good casseroles to teach people», he claimed.

These remarks sparked condemnation from Matthei, who took to social media to respond to the PDG deputy.

«Women in politics should be judged by our abilities, ideas, and management, not by our household tasks,» she began.

The former mayor of Providencia also acknowledged former president Bachelet, stating that despite any political differences, she respects her career and her right to make any decision.

«Michelle Bachelet and I have very different political paths and ideas, but we both have earned the right to decide our futures through hard work and experience.» she asserted.

Regarding Olivares’s comment inviting Bachelet to «cook and make some good casseroles to teach people,» Matthei reminded him that «in Chile, the time for sending women `to the kitchen` is over.«

«I have all my respect for single mothers,» concluded the former presidential candidate.