Mexico’s President Proposes Reforms After Personal Assault Incident

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a series of proposals aimed at improving the reporting and prosecution of sexual abuse following her own assault on the streets of Mexico City. The incident occurred on November 5, 2025, when a man groped her while she interacted with supporters, prompting widespread outrage and drawing attention to the pervasive issue of sexual harassment faced by women in the country.

The assault occurred during a routine public engagement, where the 63-year-old president was approached by a drunken man. According to reports, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder while using his other hand to touch her hip and chest, attempting to kiss her neck before being removed by a member of her security detail. Following the incident, Sheinbaum pressed charges for sexual harassment, which in Mexico City encompasses both lewd behavior and groping.

In response to the attack, Sheinbaum announced plans to address the significant disparities in laws regarding sexual harassment and abuse across Mexico’s 32 states. The United Nations has reported that approximately 70% of Mexican girls and women aged 15 and older will experience at least one incident of sexual harassment in their lifetimes. Alarmingly, the president noted that 45% of women in Mexico have experienced sexual abuse.

At a morning press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized her hope that her experience would encourage other women to speak up about harassment and abuse, stating, “May what happened serve so that women do not feel alone in situations of harassment or abuse… and for this to happen, there must be institutions and a government that supports them.”

The scale of the problem is underscored by the fact that there have been over 25,000 complaints of sexual harassment filed this year alone, as reported by Citlalli Hernandez, Secretary for Women. However, the actual number of incidents is believed to be much higher, as many women are reluctant to report due to fears of victim-blaming or disbelief.

Sheinbaum has called for the development of an “efficient and quick” reporting system that genuinely facilitates justice, although she did not provide specific details on how this would be implemented. Her commitment to engaging with the public, despite the risks associated with cartel violence targeting politicians in Mexico, has raised questions about her security measures. The president has maintained that it is vital to remain accessible to the people, insisting, “We need to be close to the people.”

The incident involving Sheinbaum has resonated deeply, serving as a stark reminder of the daily harassment faced by women in Mexico. It has ignited discussions about the urgent need for effective policies and societal change to protect individuals from such violence and to foster an environment where victims feel empowered to come forward.