Sheinbaum Fights Mexican Machismo

In the Shadow of Power: Sheinbaum’s Stand Against a National Scourge

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has declared her plan to take legal action against an individual who inappropriately touched her at a public event. The occurrence, recorded on a mobile device, has ignited a nationwide conversation about the pervasive nature of harassment and aggression towards females. The video shows the president speaking to supporters near the National Palace in the capital when a man came up from behind, making an effort to kiss her neck and put his hands on her person. President Sheinbaum quickly pulled back, and a staffer stepped in, but the visibly shaken leader’s experience has resonated deeply with women across Mexico. The man was later taken into custody. This event has cast a harsh light on the deeply embedded societal problems that Mexico continues to face daily.

A President’s Personal Battle

At a press conference after the event, Claudia Sheinbaum explained her resolve to pursue legal recourse not just as a personal reaction, but as a stand for every woman in the nation. She articulated that inaction would convey a devastating message to countless others who suffer similar violations. The president asked what the consequences could be for other females if their own head of state could be assaulted with impunity. This deliberate action transforms a personal violation into a powerful public statement. By taking a legal stand, she aims to draw an unmistakable line against such behaviour, signalling that no woman, regardless of her position, should tolerate harassment. The president’s resolve highlights the systemic nature of the problem.

An Experience Shared by Millions

President Sheinbaum also revealed that this was not a new experience in her life, recounting similar situations as a student before she began her career in public office. Her willingness to connect her present circumstances with past vulnerabilities serves to humanise her and bridge the gap between her powerful office and the everyday reality for Mexican women. It underscores the universal nature of street harassment and unwanted advances that females in the country frequently endure. Her decision was further cemented, she mentioned, by reports that the man in question reportedly bothered other females in the same group that day. This detail adds another layer to the incident, illustrating a pattern of behaviour that authorities can now address.

A Symptom of Deep-Rooted Machismo

Advocacy groups for women's rights and feminist analysts have framed the assault as a stark illustration of the deep-seated "machismo" culture that is widespread within Mexican culture. This cultural attitude fosters a sense of entitlement in some men, leading them to believe they can accost any woman, even the nation’s most powerful leader. The event is seen not as an isolated act by one individual but as a symptom of a much larger societal illness. This perspective argues that the lack of respect directed at the nation's leader is an extreme manifestation of the daily aggressions, both minor and severe, that women are forced to navigate. The public nature of the groping has forced a national reckoning with these uncomfortable truths.

The Spectre of Femicide

The conversation sparked by the assault on President Sheinbaum cannot be separated from the broader and more lethal issue of femicide in Mexico. A shocking ninety-eight percent of killings based on gender are estimated to go unpunished, creating a climate of impunity that emboldens perpetrators. While running for office, Sheinbaum campaigned on a promise to tackle this crisis head-on. However, her administration has yet to demonstrate significant progress in curbing this severe category of violent acts. The attack on her serves as a potent reminder that the roots of femicide are intertwined with the same cultural attitudes that normalise harassment and assault, making her commitment to this issue more critical than ever.

Debates Over Presidential Security

The incident has inevitably triggered discussions about the security arrangements for the president and other politicians in Mexico. Claudia Sheinbaum, the president, has mostly maintained the style of her forerunner, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who favoured close and frequent interaction with supporters. This populist style, while fostering a connection with the public, presents considerable security challenges. Despite the recent events, the president confirmed at her press conference that she has no plans to change her method of engaging directly with the public. Her stance reflects a commitment to remaining accessible, even in the face of personal risk, though it has amplified concerns among her security team.

A Climate of Political Violence

The assault occurred soon after the killing of Carlos Manzo, who governed Uruapan in the turbulent Michoacan state. Manzo was shot and killed during the area's Day of the Dead festivities after he had publicly called for increased federal assistance to combat the powerful drug cartels operating in his municipality. His assassination is a grim reminder of the dangers faced by public officials in Mexico. Last year's general election was preceded by what many called the most lethal campaign in the nation's modern history, with reports indicating that approximately thirty-five political hopefuls were assassinated. This backdrop of extreme violence places the security of all politicians under intense scrutiny.

The Persistent Threat to Local Leaders

The assassination of Mayor Carlos Manzo underscores a disturbing pattern of violence directed at politicians in municipal posts. These officials are often on the front lines of the conflict with organised crime, making them particularly vulnerable. Manzo had been an outspoken critic of the cartels and had even joined security patrols in a bulletproof vest. His murder, and that of many other local leaders, demonstrates the brazen power of criminal organisations and their willingness to eliminate any opposition. This relentless targeting of mayors and municipal officials not only creates a climate of fear but also destabilises local governance and undermines the rule of law.

Sheinbaum’s Security Strategy  

Claudia Sheinbaum, upon taking her post, started moves to tackle Mexico’s grave security problems. A key focus of her administration has been to crack down on fentanyl trafficking, a major point of contention with the United States under President Trump. Her approach has been described as a departure from the "hugs, not bullets" philosophy of the previous administration, incorporating more intelligence-led and targeted operations. While these efforts have shown some results in tackling the narcotics trade, the wider context of violent offenses, including political assassinations and femicide, remains a formidable challenge for her government, demanding a multi-faceted and sustained response.

Image Credit - EneasMx, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Populist Approach to Public Engagement

President Sheinbaum's commitment to maintaining close contact with the public reflects the manner of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. This approach is rooted in a political philosophy that values direct connection with the electorate over the insulated formalities of high office. Supporters see it as a sign of humility and a genuine desire to stay grounded. However, critics and security experts view it as a significant risk, particularly in a country with such high levels of violence. The event that occurred in the capital has brought this debate to the forefront, forcing a re-evaluation of how to balance accessibility with the absolute necessity of protecting the head of state from harm.

The Uruapan Killing: A Case Study in Cartel Power

The killing of Uruapan's Mayor Carlos Manzo was a meticulously planned assassination that sent shockwaves throughout Michoacan state. He was shot multiple times by a teenage assailant linked to organised crime during a crowded public festival. Manzo was a popular and defiant figure who openly challenged the cartels' grip on the region, which is a hub for avocado and lime production and, consequently, a lucrative target for extortion. His death has fuelled protests and highlighted the immense power that criminal groups wield over local economies and politics, often operating with a level of impunity that rivals the state itself.

The Bloodiest Election in Modern History

The 2024 general election cycle was marred by unprecedented levels of violence, making it the most lethal in Mexico's recent past. The systematic targeting of candidates, especially for municipal positions, reflects a concerted effort by criminal organisations to influence political outcomes and secure their interests. Over 330 incidents of violence targeting political figures were recorded during the campaign. This wave of assassinations and attacks not only robs communities of their chosen representatives but also has a chilling effect on democracy, as potential candidates are deterred from running for office and voters may be intimidated.

Confronting Femicide: A Campaign Promise Under Scrutiny

While running for office, Claudia Sheinbaum made ending violence against women a central pillar of her campaign, a promise that resonated with millions in a country where gender-based violence is rampant. Now, as president, her administration's actions are being closely watched. While official data for the first five months of 2024 showed a slight decline in femicides compared to the previous year, the numbers remain alarmingly high, with an average of 65 women killed every week. Activists argue that substantive change requires more than just rhetoric; it demands deep, systemic reforms within the justice system and a genuine cultural shift.

A Society Grappling with Machismo

The concept of machismo, a form of exaggerated masculinity, is deeply woven into the social fabric of Mexico and is often cited as a root cause of the country's high rates of violence against women. This cultural ideology promotes rigid gender roles, viewing men as dominant and women as subservient. It can manifest in various forms, from casual street harassment to the most extreme forms of domestic violence and femicide. Addressing this deep-seated cultural issue is a monumental task that requires a concerted effort in education, media, and public discourse to challenge and ultimately dismantle these harmful stereotypes and power imbalances.

The Perilous Reality of Mexican Politics

Being a politician in Mexico, particularly for municipal posts, has become an increasingly dangerous profession. Organised crime groups often seek to co-opt or eliminate public officials to control territory, trafficking routes, and lucrative extortion rackets. The high number of assassinations during the last election cycle is a testament to this grim reality. Candidates and officeholders who refuse to cooperate with criminal demands often pay the ultimate price. This environment of intimidation and violence poses a direct threat to the integrity of Mexico's democratic institutions and the ability of the state to provide basic security.

Sheinbaum’s Anti-Crime Initiatives

President Sheinbaum's security strategy represents a nuanced shift from her predecessor's approach. While continuing to address the social root causes of crime, her administration has placed a greater emphasis on strengthening intelligence and investigative capabilities to dismantle criminal networks. This includes creating a new National Intelligence System and improving coordination between federal and state authorities. The strategy specifically targets high-crime areas with interventions aimed at disrupting cartel operations. This more proactive and data-driven approach has been praised by some as a necessary evolution in Mexico's fight against organised crime.

US-Mexico Relations and the Fentanyl Crisis

The trafficking of fentanyl is a major source of tension in the US-Mexico relationship. The Sheinbaum administration has shown a willingness to cooperate with the United States to combat the production and smuggling of the synthetic opioid. This has included extraditing cartel leaders and destroying fentanyl labs. However, the president has additionally stood firm in asserting Mexico's sovereignty, pushing back against any suggestion of US military intervention and demanding that the US do more to curb its own domestic drug demand and the flow of illegal firearms into Mexico. This delicate balancing act will continue to define the bilateral security relationship.

The Enduring Legacy of Populism

The populist political style, promoted by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and carried on by Claudia Sheinbaum, emphasises a direct and unmediated relationship between the leader and the people. This often involves eschewing the traditional trappings of power, such as large security details and formal motorcades, in favour of more personal and accessible forms of engagement. While this can build strong bonds of loyalty, the inappropriate touching of the president has starkly illustrated the potential dangers of such an open approach. It raises fundamental questions about how leaders can remain connected to their citizens without compromising their personal safety.

Michoacan: A State Under Siege

Michoacan, where Mayor Carlos Manzo was murdered, has long been a flashpoint for cartel violence. The state's rich agricultural resources, particularly its lucrative avocado and lime industries, have made it a battleground for competing criminal groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. These organisations engage in widespread extortion, kidnapping, and violence to control production and supply chains. The state's struggles are emblematic of the broader security challenges facing Mexico, where the power of transnational criminal organisations often overwhelms local and even state-level authorities, creating a parallel system of governance based on fear.

The Unpunished Crime of Femicide

The staggering rate of impunity for femicide in Mexico remains one of the country's most shameful statistics. Feminist groups and human rights organisations have long campaigned for a more effective judicial response to the killing of females. They point to a range of systemic failures, including inadequate investigations, a lack of gender sensitivity among law enforcement and judicial officials, and a legal framework that can make it difficult to prosecute gender-based killings. President Sheinbaum’s personal experience with harassment has added a new sense of urgency to these calls for reform, with many hoping that her leadership will finally bring about the changes needed.