President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged sexual harassment to become a nationwide crime after a man groped her in public, highlighting the everyday threats women face across Mexico.
The 63-year-old leader was accosted on Tuesday while greeting supporters near the presidential palace in Mexico City, en route to an event.
A drunken man slung an arm around her shoulder, touched her hip and chest with his other hand, and tried to kiss her neck.
Security swiftly intervened, pulling him away.
Sheinbaum seemed puzzled at first, even posing for a photo with him, as captured on video.
“This person approached, completely intoxicated… it wasn’t until I saw the videos later that I realised what had really happened,” she explained on Wednesday.
The man was arrested soon after.
Her office confirmed to AFP that he faces “harassment” charges, a offence recognised in the capital and around 20 states.
The law covers lewd acts, groping, and disrespectful conduct that harms dignity and causes distress.
The episode has spotlighted Mexico’s grim record on women’s safety, where harassment is routine and femicide remains a crisis.
United Nations figures show about 70% of women aged 15 and over endure at least one harassment incident in their lifetime.
On average, 10 women are killed daily in the country.
Call for Uniform Laws
Sheinbaum announced she has filed charges and plans to examine national legislation.
“My thinking is: if I don’t file a complaint, what becomes of other Mexican women? If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the women in our country?” she said at her morning press conference.
Mexico’s 32 states and Mexico City each maintain separate penal codes.
In the capital, sexual harassment means “conduct of a sexual nature that is undesirable to the person who receives it,” carrying one to three years in prison.
Not every state treats it as a crime.
“It should be a criminal offence, and we are going to launch a campaign,” Sheinbaum declared, noting similar experiences from her younger days.
Feminist organisations stressed that such encounters plague women daily.
“Every day they are experiencing this situation of harassment, of intimidation,” said Veronica Cruz from the Las Libres collective, viewing the presidential incident as a stark symbol.
Security Questions Arise
The assault sparked criticism of Sheinbaum’s protection team and her preference for close public contact, despite frequent cartel threats against politicians.
Last September, during rallies marking her first year in office, she hugged supporters and took selfies.
Former anti-drug prosecutor Samuel Gonzalez told AFP the event signals to criminals that the president is “vulnerable,” calling it “very worrying.”
“It’s a political contact strategy that does jeopardise her security,” added analyst David Saucedo.
He urged guards to screen approaching individuals for intoxication or weapons.
Sheinbaum, however, has no plans to tighten her security.
“If there’s no risk to us, we’ll continue as we have been. We need to be close to the people,” she insisted.
