Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed a criminal complaint after she was groped while greeting supporters in Mexico City. The incident has reignited national concern over women’s safety and sexual harassment, an issue many women in Mexico face daily.
The event took place on Tuesday when Sheinbaum, 63, was walking from the National Palace to the Education Ministry. A man approached her in the crowd, placed his arm around her, touched her chest and hip, and attempted to kiss her. She quickly pushed him away before her staff intervened. The man, who was reportedly intoxicated, was arrested shortly after.
Speaking during her daily press conference, Sheinbaum explained why she chose to file a formal complaint. She said that if even the president remained silent, it would send a damaging message to women across the country.
She stated, “If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the women in our country?” She emphasized that every woman deserves safety and respect in public spaces.
Following the incident, Sheinbaum announced that her government will work on national legislation to classify sexual harassment as a criminal offense in all states. Not all of Mexico’s 32 states treat harassment as a crime, leading to uneven legal protection across the country.
Sheinbaum also criticized Mexican newspaper Reforma for publishing pictures of the assault. She called it an act of re-victimization and urged media outlets to avoid circulating images that violate women’s dignity.
The president’s decision not to increase her security has also drawn attention. She stated that remaining close to the public is part of her commitment as a leader and that she does not want to distance herself from citizens.
The incident comes amid a broader crisis of gender-based violence in Mexico. According to the United Nations, an estimated 10 women are killed every day in the country, and nearly 70% of women aged 15 or older have experienced sexual harassment at least once.
Women’s rights groups continue to pressure the government to strengthen the enforcement of laws and ensure that cases of violence and harassment are handled seriously.
