Xóchitl Gálvez Undeterred by Threat to Rival Candidate Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico's Presidential Race

Claudia Sheinbaum, the leading presidential candidate in Mexico, faced a concerning encounter while traveling in Chiapas state on Saturday. About a dozen masked men stopped Sheinbaum's vehicle at a roadblock and told her to remember the poor people in the mountains when she comes to power. The men, who claimed to be a local self-defense force, surrounded Sheinbaum's car and expressed concerns about the security situation in the region.

Sheinbaum, who is on track to become Mexico's first female president, remained calm during the incident. She later minimized it, suggesting it may have been staged by a political opponent. "I do not believe the men were involved in drug trafficking," Sheinbaum said. However, the encounter highlights the precarious security situation in Mexico, where violence has not spared politicians. In this political season alone, 17 candidates have been assassinated.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador also dismissed the seriousness of the incident, calling it "propaganda." He accused the Latinus media outlet, which was present during the encounter, of being capable of orchestrating such incidents to undermine his government. The president has faced criticism for not being able to rein in organized crime and allowing it to flourish in the country.

Why this matters: The threat to Claudia Sheinbaum, the leading candidate in Mexico's presidential race, underscores the pervasive violence and insecurity that continues to plague the country. It raises concerns about the safety of politicians and the government's ability to combat powerful drug cartels and ensure a fair and peaceful election process.

Despite the incident, Sheinbaum's main rival, opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez, said she does not fear for her own safety. Gálvez has made security a central focus of her campaign, using the slogan "For a Mexico without fear." "I am not intimidated," Gálvez stated, emphasizing her commitment to addressing the country's security challenges if elected. Most polls indicate Sheinbaum maintains a commanding lead in the presidential race ahead of the June 2 election.

Key Takeaways

• Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's leading presidential candidate, faced a concerning encounter with masked men in Chiapas.
• Sheinbaum remained calm and suggested the incident may have been staged by a political opponent.
• President López Obrador dismissed the seriousness of the incident, calling it "propaganda" and accusing the media of orchestrating it.
• The threat to Sheinbaum highlights the pervasive violence and insecurity in Mexico, raising concerns about the safety of politicians and fair elections.
• Sheinbaum's rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, said she is not intimidated and is committed to addressing Mexico's security challenges if elected.