Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed she will press charges against a man who groped her during a public engagement this week.

The incident occurred on Tuesday near the National Palace in Mexico City. President Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first woman president, was speaking to supporters on the street when the attack took place.

The man, who was reportedly intoxicated, approached the 63-year-old President from behind. Mobile phone footage captured the moment he attempted to kiss her neck.

He also placed his hands on her body, touching her hip and chest. Sheinbaum moved away rapidly. A member of her staff then intervened. The offender was later arrested.

A Line Must Be Drawn

Following the incident, the President stated that she had decided to file a complaint. The man has been charged with harassment.

Sheinbaum told a news conference on Wednesday that her decision was essential for all women in Mexico.

"My view is, if I don't file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?"

She added that she had suffered similar attacks previously, including when she was a student.

The President noted that the suspect had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd that day. She emphasised that “a line must be drawn”.

Focus on Women’s Safety Crisis

The assault has shone a light on Mexico’s poor record regarding women’s safety. Sexual harassment is common across the country. Rights groups are also warning about a wider femicide crisis.

According to UN data, an average of 10 women are murdered every day in Mexico. Furthermore, a staggering 98% of gender-based murders are estimated to go unpunished.

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Statistics show that roughly 70% of Mexican women aged 15 and over will experience at least one incident of sexual harassment in their lives.

Feminist commentators have suggested the incident shows the extent of deep-seated machismo in Mexican society. This is where a man might believe he has the right to accost even the President if she is a woman.

Calls for Legislative Change

In response to the attack, President Sheinbaum has called for sexual harassment to be made a criminal offence nationwide.

Mexico is composed of 32 states plus Mexico City. Not all of these states currently consider sexual harassment a crime.

"It should be a criminal offence, and we are going to launch a campaign," Sheinbaum stated.

She pledged to review nationwide legislation on the issue. The President urged Mexicans to send a clear message: “No, women’s personal space must not be violated”.

Security Policy Unchanged

The President has broadly followed the style of her predecessor, maintaining close and regular contact with supporters on the streets.

The incident did raise security concerns for her team. Mexican politicians are regularly targets of violence.

Despite the worry, President Sheinbaum has dismissed any suggestion of increasing her security. She confirmed she has no intention of changing her policy of interacting with her supporters.

She said that if there is no risk, they will continue as before, stressing the need to be close to the people.