Mexico's President Files Complaint After Public Harassment
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported on Wednesday that she has filed a criminal complaint against a man who groped and tried to kiss her while she was greeting the public. The incident occurred as Sheinbaum, the country's first female president, made a short walk from the National Palace to the Ministry of Education.
Details of the Incident
A video of the event circulated widely online before being removed by some accounts. It shows a middle-aged man putting his arm around Sheinbaum, touching her chest, and attempting to kiss her. Sheinbaum reacted by moving his hands away, and a staff member then intervened.
President Sheinbaum's Response
At her regular morning news conference, Sheinbaum described the event as a crime and shared that she, like many women in Mexico, has faced similar harassment. She said:
"If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the young women in our country."
She noted the man was very intoxicated and connected the incident to the broader context of insecurity and gender-based violence in Mexico.
Security and Public Engagement
The incident has sparked questions about the president's security measures. Similar to her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum travels with limited security and remains accessible to the public, often mingling with crowds. She affirmed she will continue this approach:
"We have to be close to the people."
Context of Gender Issues in Mexico
- The video highlighted ongoing challenges women face in a country marked by machismo and gender-based violence.
- Sheinbaum's experience underscores the perils even high-profile women encounter publicly.
Despite the risks, Sheinbaum insists on maintaining openness and proximity to citizens during her administration.
Author's summary: President Sheinbaum condemned a public harassment incident, filed charges, and vowed to stay accessible to citizens despite security risks amid ongoing gender violence issues in Mexico.