The director general of the Civil Guard, Mercedes González Fernández, has become the center of an unexpected controversy following her appearance at an official ceremony to pay tribute to officers killed in the line of duty.
The reason was not his speech or the ceremony itself, but his choice of attire: a green sweater combined with white and green plaid pants that many users on social networks have described as “inappropriate” for a solemn event. Some even went so far as to compare it to “pajamas,” unleashing an avalanche of comments and criticism on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).
An act in memory of fallen officers
The tribute, organized by the Guardia Civil, was aimed at honoring the members of the corps who died in the line of duty, with a special remembrance for Carlos Francisco Bellido, an agent who was run over this year while helping on a road.
The ceremony was attended by commanders of the armed forces and institutional representatives, and was presided over by González herself, who spoke with words of recognition for the fallen.
“This morning we have honored the civil guardsmen and women who have died in the line of duty, with a special remembrance to Carlos Bellido, who was run over this year while providing roadside assistance. His sacrifice is the greatest testimony of the vocation of the Guardia Civil and its commitment to the security and freedom of Spain. “, wrote the director on her social networks after the event.
The Guardia Civil’s official profile also posted images of the tribute along with a solemn message: “In a simple and moving act, we observe respectful silence and honor the memory of all Civil Guard personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty. […] Their memory, our duty. “
The debate: from homage to controversy over clothing
However, public attention was quickly diverted from the tribute to the CEO’s attire. Within hours, social networks were filled with comments and memes criticizing her outfit.
X users and members of professional associations of the corps questioned the suitability of the look, considering that it was not appropriate for an institutional act of homage to the deceased.
Next to the Director General, the DAO of the Civil Guard, Manuel Llamas, at the tribute to the fallen that was held in Madrid. Next time, even if she is his hierarchical superior, it would not hurt to tell her that a picture is worth a thousand words. pic.twitter.com/DAy3UGCOzg
– Jucil Vizcaya (@Jucil_Vizcaya) November 5, 2025
Some of the most repeated comments pointed to the symbolic disrespect of not dressing soberly at such an event. “She looks like she has gone to a funeral in her pajamas,” wrote one user, while others lamented that “the image of the body is overshadowed by a protocol error.”
Criticism from police unions
The harshest criticism came from union organizations and agents’ associations, which described the clothing as “disgraceful”.
The Jusapol País Vasco union posted a message on the social network X showing its indignation: “Shameful dress of the director of the Civil Guard in the tribute to the civil guards fallen in the line of duty. Then you see the civil guards, each one with a different uniform, and you check the discredit of this institution in socialist hands. “
The message went viral in a few hours, accumulating thousands of views and dozens of responses that rekindled the debate on institutional image and protocol in public events.
Many Internet users agreed that, although González’s intention may have been to wear green -the color traditionally associated with the Civil Guard-, the outfit did not convey the solemnity expected in a commemorative act.
Mercedes Gonzalez and her usual nod to the green color
It is not the first time that the director general resorts to green tones in her public appearances. On several occasions she has chosen garments in this color to visually reinforce her identification with the Civil Guard, whose uniform and emblem maintain green as a sign of historical identity.
However, on this occasion, the contrast between the context of the event and the style of the chosen ensemble was enough for the controversy to spread beyond the institutional sphere.
While some defended their right to dress in a personal manner without breaking any established formal code, others insisted that public representatives should take special care of their image and decorum in solemn acts, especially when they involve tributes to those who have died in service.
