Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged lawmakers to make sexual harassment a federal crime. This follows an incident. A man groped her during a public appearance near the presidential palace in Mexico City.
The assault occurred on Tuesday as Sheinbaum, 63, was walking to an event and greeting supporters outside the Palacio Nacional. According to reports, a visibly intoxicated man placed his arm around her shoulders. He touched her inappropriately and tried to kiss her.
Members of the presidential security detail quickly intervened, restraining the man and escorting him away. He has since been arrested and charged with harassment, officials confirmed.
At her regular morning press briefing on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said she initially did not fully understand what had happened. She gained a clearer understanding when she later saw video footage of the encounter.
“The man approached completely drunk… It wasn’t until I reviewed the videos that I realized what had really happened,” she told reporters.
The president said she has filed a formal complaint. She will push to unify sexual harassment laws across Mexico’s 32 states. Currently, harassment is a punishable offense in Mexico City and around 20 other states, but not everywhere in the country.
“If this can happen to the president, imagine what happens to millions of women every day,” Sheinbaum said. “We must make harassment a crime nationwide.”
Widespread Problem
Sexual harassment and violence against women remain serious issues in Mexico.
United Nations data shows nearly 70% of Mexican women aged 15 and older have experienced sexual harassment. This includes at least one incident in their lifetime. The UN also estimates that ten women are murdered every day in the country, often in gender-based attacks.
Women’s rights groups said the incident highlights the everyday dangers women face.
“Every day, women are subjected to intimidation and harassment,” said Veronica Cruz, founder of the feminist collective Las Libres. “That this happened even to the president shows how deep the problem runs.”
Criticism Over Security Measures
The episode has also raised questions about Sheinbaum’s security arrangements. Analysts and former officials warned. They stated that her commitment to maintaining close contact with the public exposes her to risks. She often allows supporters to hug her or take selfies.
“It sends a troubling message. Even the head of state can be vulnerable,” said former anti-narcotics prosecutor Samuel González.
Security expert David Saucedo added that her guards should ensure anyone approaching the president is sober and unarmed.
Despite the criticism, Sheinbaum said she has no plans to tighten her personal protection.
“As long as there’s no major threat, we’ll continue as we have been,” she said. “We need to stay close to the people.”
Sheinbaum said she intends to launch a national campaign to criminalise sexual harassment and harmonise local laws. Under Mexico City’s code, harassment is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. It is punishable by up to three years in prison.
She emphasized that the goal is to protect women’s dignity and ensure justice for all victims.
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