Horacio Pietragalla, the Secretary of Human Rights in the Alberto Fernández administration and affiliated with the La Cámpora political group, has stirred controversy by justifying his vote against a proposal to reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years. During his speech in Congress, Pietragalla used a provocative analogy drawn from the autobiography of César González, a writer who grew up in a poor neighborhood, stating, "He started being worthy when he started committing crimes." This remark drew immediate attention for its suggestion that criminal behavior may arise from socio-economic conditions.

In his speech, Pietragalla emphasized themes of dignity and poverty, citing González’s struggles with living conditions that were stark and harsh. He reflected on González's experiences, saying that the only way to achieve dignity was through delinquency, thereby insinuating that the realities of poverty lead to such choices. His comments aim to highlight the systemic issues surrounding youth crime rather than simply labeling young offenders as criminals.

The passage of this legislation, which recently received partial approval in Congress, invites a broader discussion on the implications of lowering the age of criminal responsibility in Argentina. Critics argue that it may further criminalize poverty, while supporters believe it is necessary for public safety. Pietragalla's remarks only sharpen the division over how to best approach youth crime and social justice in Argentina, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of delinquency.