The government of Javier Milei announced that the use of inclusive language and gender perspectives would be banned throughout public administration. The confirmation was made by presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni during his morning press conference.
Adorni explained that the measure follows the decision of the Ministry of Defense led by Luis Petri. to veto inclusive language in their area, and that they are now seeking to extend that determination to the rest of government. According to the spokesman The Spanish language is sufficiently inclusive and they see no need to introduce structures additionally. He also justified the measure by saying that the gender perspective had been misused as a political bargain.
“The language that takes into account all sectors is the Spanish language, I don’t understand why there are structures. It is a debate in which we will not participate because we believe that gender perspectives have also been used as a political matter. “It is not controversial,” Adorni added.
The measure means that administrations cannot use gender-neutral language (“todes”) or symbols such as the at sign (“@”) or the x (“x”). “The unnecessary inclusion of the feminine” (such as “body”) is also avoided.
This decision represents a significant change compared to the previous government of Alberto Fernández, who actively promoted the use of inclusive language in the communication of the various public bodies. The former president used this form of communication at public events, sparking criticism and debates with the Royal Spanish Academy.
The Ministry of Defense decision, which serves as the basis for the government action, stipulates that the Spanish language must be used in accordance with the rules and regulations of the respective territory. Follow the conditions and rules set by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) and the regulations and manuals applicable in the armed forces.
During Fernández’s term in office, various authorities such as the Ministry of Public Works (INADI), the National Secretariat for Human Rights (PAMI) and the National Ministry of Health adopted inclusive language in their communications. But with the change of government This practice will be abolished in all state authorities.
The Milei government’s announcement has sparked divided opinions, with supporters of the measure arguing that it will make communication easier and critics which, in their view, undermines progress in terms of inclusion and gender perspective. The measure also marks a clear difference from the previous government and underlines the new government’s ideological orientation on this issue.
The inclusive form of language supported by UNESCO resolutions aims to avoid the use of terms that refer to a single gender, unless it involves affirmative action in favor of women.