A group of women legislators in the Congress of Mexico City engaged in a physical altercation on Monday, with television cameras broadcasting the incident live. The confrontation shocked viewers as lawmakers pulled hair, exchanged blows, and shouted during an ongoing legislative session.
The clash erupted after women lawmakers from the right-wing National Action Party approached the main podium. They protested what they described as a violation of legislative rules by the ruling leftist Morena party, which holds a majority in the chamber.
According to local media reports, the dispute centered on proposed reforms to the city government’s transparency oversight agency. Tensions escalated quickly as opposition lawmakers refused to leave the podium after raising objections.
Physical Confrontation Unfolds on Camera
Video footage circulating on social media shows at least five lawmakers from both parties arguing aggressively. The footage captures lawmakers elbowing, slapping, and pulling each other’s hair. Morena legislators attempted to physically remove the PAN members from the podium, while PAN lawmakers resisted and continued their protest.
Security personnel appeared hesitant to intervene as the scuffle continued for several moments. Meanwhile, other lawmakers looked on from their seats as the confrontation disrupted proceedings.
Following the incident, aides and party representatives addressed the media. Andres Atayde, an aide to the PAN legislators, said the opposition acted peacefully. He accused the majority party of responding with force instead of dialogue.
“We took the podium peacefully, without touching anyone,” Atayde told reporters. He added that the ruling bloc chose violence to regain control of the legislative board.
Opposition Condemns Conduct
PAN lawmaker Daniela Alvarez, who participated in the protest, strongly criticized the actions of the Morena legislators. She described the incident as damaging to democratic norms and public trust.
“Not only is it vulgar, not only is it aggressive, but it is lamentable that this is the majority governing party for this city,” Alvarez said. She added that lawmakers should resolve disputes through debate rather than physical confrontation.
After the altercation, PAN lawmakers exited the chamber in protest. As a result, the Morena majority resumed the legislative session without opposition members present. Official social media accounts of the Congress of Mexico City later confirmed that the debate continued.
Morena Responds to Accusations
Later in the day, Morena spokesman Paulo Garcia rejected allegations of wrongdoing by his party. He accused the opposition of provoking the confrontation and avoiding substantive debate.
“What worries us a lot is how the opposition is systematically resorting to violence instead of arguments,” Garcia told broadcaster Milenio. He said the opposition lacked the ability to engage in meaningful discussion on the proposed reforms.
The incident has sparked widespread debate across Mexico about political conduct and decorum. Analysts say the brawl highlights deep polarization within local politics and raises concerns about institutional discipline.
As public reaction grows, observers expect legislative authorities to review the incident. Many have called for clearer enforcement of rules to prevent similar disruptions in future sessions.
